Hiding an arrest or a dismissed case
Being arrested, or charged and then cleared, can still show on a check years later. Sealing takes it out of public view.
A sealed case is hidden from the public and from most employers and landlords. Police, courts and a few agencies can still open it. We find every place the case is recorded, prepare the request and get you ready for the hearing, if the court holds one.
Often a fit when
You were arrested and never charged
Charges were dropped or dismissed
A jury or judge found you not guilty
You finished a diversion program
Where a case can hide
Sealing the court file is not always enough.
The court file
The petition goes here, and the order covers the case record.
Law enforcement files
The arrest record at the agency that made the arrest, which has its own process.
Background report companies
Companies that sold your record before the order, and may keep selling it.
Sealing, answered
Do I have to say I was arrested?
That depends on who asks and on your state, and we put the answer for each situation in writing, so you are not guessing on an application.
How long does it take?
Courts differ, and some hold no hearing at all. The written plan gives the steps and what usually decides the timing in your court.
Will the arrest disappear from every website?
Not on its own. Sites that copied it earlier keep their copy until they are asked to update it, and we show you how to ask.
An arrest that never went anywhere?
The arrest and dismissed-case package is one flat fee, plus court and agency fees.