Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Sealing Juvenile Record

Eight years ago, at age 15, I was convicted of molesting my 10 year old step sister. This was in California and I am now in Tennessee. I was never arrested nor jailed, but was on probation for one year and had to attend counseling for a year. To me this was simply two kids playing ''doctor,'' but it got to the point where she wanted it to stop and I didn't realize how serious she was and she told a teacher at school.

I have a couple questions regarding this. 1) Will this show up on a background check done by an employer? 2) Can I ever have my record sealed or expunged?

I just want to get on with my life and not have my past always looming over me. Thank you very much.


Asked on 6/01/07, 12:49 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Sealing Juvenile Record

Juvenile records are supposed to be 'sealed' from view by all but police/govt searches. Under some conditions they can also be 'purged' completely, an act you should consider trying. Feel free to contact me if you decide you want to do so.

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Answered on 6/01/07, 3:37 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Sealing Juvenile Record

Your best shot is to apply for a job, say nothing, and see if it comes up. You could also pay a private database company like Choicepoint to do a national criminal records search on yourself that includes the county in California where this happened.

My best guess is it won't come up, unless you are charged with another similar offense, or you are trying to join the FBI or CIA. (By the way, California has since toughened its laws and a pn veresent-day, serious juvenile offense is treated emore harshly than the same offense committed by an adult: it cannot be expunged and will last forever.)

If you get the job, leave the situation alone. If it comes up, you might well consider hiring a California lawyer to attempt to expunge it.

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Answered on 6/01/07, 1:17 am


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