What does it mean to have an arrest record “sealed” in California?

California law changed in 2018 so that more people with arrest records (that did not lead to a conviction) can get them sealed. If it is possible for you to seal an arrest record, it is always a good idea. “Sealing” an arrest record means that all documents related to your arrest—including your fingerprints—are confidentially sealed for 3 years, and then destroyed.[3207]

The benefit of having your arrest record sealed is that it deletes the information from your RAP sheet (your official criminal record kept by the state), so even law enforcement officers will NOT be able to see the information in most cases. Once your arrest record is sealed, it is as if the arrest (and any related proceedings) never happened.[3208] (For more information on who can see your RAP sheet, see PG. 948.)

  1. 3207

    Cal. Penal Code § 851.8(a) & (b); People v. Christiansen, B252804, LA Superior Court No. SA 075027 (certified for publication). ↑

  2. 3208

    Cal. Penal Code § 851.8(f). (Note: although sealed records are physically destroyed in most circumstances, the records remain in a confidential file in the DOJ computer and can be released under very limited circumstances.) ↑