What is the name of your state? DC
About 4 years ago, I was arrested for shoplifting. Since it was a first offense, the public defender got me into a diversion program and I did community service, which I successfully completed.
I have been worried about the long-term implications of having an arrest record. When I tried to ask the public defender about it, she said that I shouldn't worry about it and that there was no way to seal or expunge (I'm not sure which term is correct here) the arrest record. She also said that I could go to the police department and ask them to do some kind of record search (not sure what it's called) and also to the Clerk of the Court's office (actually to do that first), but she (the public defender/attorney) didn't believe that anything would turn up. She also said that by asking questions at the Clerk of the Court's office, I might be opening a can of worms and looking for trouble. Honestly, I don't trust this public defender's advice as even in my direct dealings with her when I had my problem, she was always in a hurry and seemed to make light of the whole situation. Later, I had a hard time gettting a hold of her and getting straight answers to my questions.
I also called the Clerk of the Court to know the disposition of the case and I was told that it was "nullied".
In recent years, I haven't applied to any companies who have asked questions about my arrest record or whether or not I had ever been convicted of a crime. However, I am thinking about applying to several companies which I believe may ask these things and/or may also conduct a background check. So,here are my questions:
1. Can an arrest record for an adult in Washington, DC be sealed? If so, what is the procedure?
2. Would I be correct in saying that I have never been convicted of a crime, or is participation in a diversion program considered a conviction?
3. What exactly does "nullied" mean (concerning the disposition)?
4. Should I go to both the Clerk's office of the Court's criminal division and then the police department (not sure which one - I think it's the main police dept located near the DC courthouse) and do some kind of record check on myself?
Thanks in advance for your advice. I do appreciate it.
About 4 years ago, I was arrested for shoplifting. Since it was a first offense, the public defender got me into a diversion program and I did community service, which I successfully completed.
I have been worried about the long-term implications of having an arrest record. When I tried to ask the public defender about it, she said that I shouldn't worry about it and that there was no way to seal or expunge (I'm not sure which term is correct here) the arrest record. She also said that I could go to the police department and ask them to do some kind of record search (not sure what it's called) and also to the Clerk of the Court's office (actually to do that first), but she (the public defender/attorney) didn't believe that anything would turn up. She also said that by asking questions at the Clerk of the Court's office, I might be opening a can of worms and looking for trouble. Honestly, I don't trust this public defender's advice as even in my direct dealings with her when I had my problem, she was always in a hurry and seemed to make light of the whole situation. Later, I had a hard time gettting a hold of her and getting straight answers to my questions.
I also called the Clerk of the Court to know the disposition of the case and I was told that it was "nullied".
In recent years, I haven't applied to any companies who have asked questions about my arrest record or whether or not I had ever been convicted of a crime. However, I am thinking about applying to several companies which I believe may ask these things and/or may also conduct a background check. So,here are my questions:
1. Can an arrest record for an adult in Washington, DC be sealed? If so, what is the procedure?
2. Would I be correct in saying that I have never been convicted of a crime, or is participation in a diversion program considered a conviction?
3. What exactly does "nullied" mean (concerning the disposition)?
4. Should I go to both the Clerk's office of the Court's criminal division and then the police department (not sure which one - I think it's the main police dept located near the DC courthouse) and do some kind of record check on myself?
Thanks in advance for your advice. I do appreciate it.