California Drug Diversion
California Penal Code section 851.90 allows for a defendant who is diverted pursuant to a drug diversion program administered by a superior court pursuant to Section 1000.5 or is admitted to a deferred entry of judgment program pursuant to Section 1000 and the person successfully completes the program, the court has the discretion to order that the arrest record and court records be sealed, including any record of arrest or detention.
The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall also notify the Department of Justice and any law enforcement agency that participated in the arrest of the petitioner, for the offense for which the petitioner has been found factually innocent, of the sealing of the arrest record and the reasons thereof.
WHAT CAN SEAL AND DESTROY RECORD OF ARREST DO FOR ME?
Obtaining a Court Order instructing the arresting agency and all interested parties to Seal and Destroy the record of arrest allows you to answer no to questions regarding whether you were ever arrested for a felony or a misdemeanor on any type of application or questionnaire about your criminal past. Unlike the California Expungement statutes, California Penal Code section 851.90 allows you to seek a Court Order completely removing any reference to an arrest that didn't result in a conviction from all criminal history databases maintained by the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Once the record is sealed in California, it is just like you were never arrested. You can seek employment with law enforcement, California State Certifications and Licensure, Weapon Permits, Student Loans, and Housing Assistance. It also helps you overcome background checks associated with apartment and house rental applications.
There is nothing worse than losing an employment opportunity for that dream job because of a blemish on your record from an arrest that you were never convicted of when the employer conducts a criminal background check.
There is nothing worse than being unable to fulfill your goals of entering a professional field (Medical, Real Estate, Contracting, Government or State Agencies) after years of education because you can't enter an internship, externship or pass a state licensing exam because of a decade old blemish on your record revealed by a background check.
Why even take the chance! You have worked too hard and come too far to let your past mistakes deny you the opportunity to provide a better life for you and your family. Here is an affordable way to overcome those obstacles and move forward with your career without fail or worry. You can take those steps to obtain closure of your past mistakes today by taking a few moments to determine your eligibility, provide some information, and make your payment. The relief you will receive is priceless.
ARE THERE ANY COURT FILING OR ADMINISTRATIVE FEES?
No. Currently, there aren't any Court filing fees associated with Petitions to Seal & Destroy Record of Arrest. However, some California Police Agencies do charge a minimal processing fee. These fees are usually around $25 dollars.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED?
Just fill out the application form and submit your application. You can make your payment right now with any major credit card or Paypal, or one of our staff will follow up with you to help answer your questions and help you complete the process. If you have Court documents in your possession, you can fax or email them to our office which allows us to expedite your document preparation and submission even faster.
