Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: 11550 arrest

The D.A.'s decision not to proceed is like a private party's decision not to sue. It isn't binding, until the applicable limitations period expires, there is still time to file a complaint and get a case started after all.

You cannot get an arrest off your record. Arrest records are not public, so you shouldn't worry about prospective employers, etc. finding out about it. Police and other governmental agencies can get the information, but being arrested is not the same thing as being convicted and these entities all recognize that fact. An arrest record does not say you are guilty; it says only that you have been arrested. Because your record is accurate you have no right to demand a change.

Re: 11550 arrest

The DA can technically press charges against throughout the entire term of the statute of limitations period. However, there is a good chance they will not proceed forward unless something else occurs during this timeframe. An arrest is not a conviction, it is just the "opinion" of the arresting officer(s) alone. Therefore, an arrest is not synonymous with or as harshly "damaging" as a conviction on your record. However, there are ways to have the arrest "expunged" as well, just like a conviction, but certain criteria must be met. If you would like further, affordable assistance, contact us directly for a free phone consultation.