Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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This depends on the offense for which the juvenile strike was given. A strike cannot be expunged, or removed, if:
For all other strike offenses, the offender may ask the court to expunge the offense. But the court does not have to do so.
Note that if a judge chooses to seal a defendant’s record, they do not get destroyed. They remain on file and they may be accessed by
Please note that four conditions must be met for a juvenile offense to count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strike Law. These are:
If a juvenile was convicted of a crime and a “strike” was given, he may ask the court to expunge, or remove, the offense. To even request this, though, the juvenile must be either:
If an expungement request is made, it is up to the judge to grant it or deny. If granted, the court does not destroy the juvenile’s records. Rather, they remain on file and can be accessed by the prosecution, probation or the court if the juvenile is convicted of a later felony.
Note that a strike cannot be expunged if:
“Serious sex offenses” under W&I 707b include:
Note further that a court cannot seal a juvenile record if:
Four conditions must be met for a juvenile offense to count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strike Law. These are:
A “ward of the court” means a guardian was appointed by the court to care for and take responsibility for the juvenile offender.
California Welfare and Institutions Code 707b lists all juvenile offenses that the law considers as serious or violent felonies. Some examples of serious and violent felonies under this statute are:
There are two main benefits of having a juvenile offense expunged or sealed. These are:
Please note though that there are some exceptions to both benefits. For example, the military and some federal agencies may not recognize the sealing of records. And, they may be aware of a person’s juvenile history even if that person’s juvenile records were sealed.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.