Walk It Through: Clearing an Old Arrest
A dismissed charge, an application to the attorney general, and a certificate that answers the question.
A man arrested for theft years ago, with the charge dismissed, is applying for jobs.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
An arrest with the charge dismissed. A conviction, a bail forfeiture, and a deferred plea within its waiting year are left to the expungement page.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Expungement orderAn order from the attorney general annulling, canceling and rescinding the record of an arrest that did not end in a conviction for a crime.
- Petty misdemeanorThe lowest grade of crime, punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
- ViolationAn offense punishable only by a fine, forfeiture or other civil penalty. A violation does not constitute a crime.