Seal and Destroy Arrest Records

For innocent people who get wrongfully arrested and accused of a crime, California has a process by which you can get your arrest records sealed and destroyed. Successfully sealing and destroying these records result in the destruction of the police reports, fingerprints, booking photos and all records of the arrest. When asked if you have ever been arrested, you can truthfully answer “no.”

The process to seal and destroy arrest records includes petitioning the arresting agency, and having a hearing in front of the judge.

If you were accused of a crime (arrested) and the case was dismissed (you were not convicted) or you were acquitted at trial, you may qualify to seal and destroy your arrest records.