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As a minor in California, I was charged with violating section 647.6 b, a felony. The charge was dropped to 647.6 a, a misdem...

As a minor in California, I was charged with violating section 647.6 b, a felony. The charge was dropped to 647.6 a, a misdem...

Full question:

As a minor in California, I was charged with violating section 647.6 b, a felony. The charge was dropped to 647.6 a, a misdemeanor. This was so long ago I don't remember why it was amended. Do you know how it could have been amended? Also can this type of conviction be expunged or sealed, and if not, will it show up on a background check or are all juvenile records hidden from public eyes?

Category: Criminal
Subcategory: Expungement of Criminal Records
Date: 04/07/2025
State: California

Answer:

A prosecutor usually can amend/change a charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. As to why the charge was dropped, we could only speculate. In California, juvenile matters are confidential and many proceedings are not open to the public. Juvenile records are confidential and can only be released to officers of the court, specific agencies or by order of the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court. An arrest record may still be on file with the law enforcement agency who arrested you. Please see the following site regarding expunging criminal records. http://lawdigest.uslegalforms.com/expungement-of-criminal-records/index.php?dID=6444

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the process for reducing a felony to a misdemeanor in California?

In California, a felony can be reduced to a misdemeanor through a motion filed by the defendant or the prosecutor. This often occurs during sentencing or after the conviction, depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors such as the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and rehabilitation efforts can influence this decision. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional for guidance on this process.

Can juvenile records be sealed in California?

Yes, juvenile records in California can be sealed. This means that the records are no longer accessible to the public and cannot be disclosed without a court order. To seal a juvenile record, a petition must be filed with the court, and certain conditions must be met, such as completing probation and not having subsequent offenses. Consult a legal expert for assistance with this process.

Will a juvenile felony conviction show up on a background check?

Generally, if a juvenile felony conviction is sealed or expunged, it should not appear on a background check. However, if the records are not sealed, they may still be accessible to certain entities, such as law enforcement or specific employers. It's important to understand the status of your records and consider sealing them for privacy.

What happens to juvenile records after turning 18 in California?

In California, juvenile records do not automatically disappear when a person turns 18. However, individuals can petition to have their records sealed or expunged. Sealing the records means they are confidential and not available to the public, while expungement can eliminate the record entirely in certain cases. Legal advice is recommended to navigate this process.