If a minor under 17 is charged with a Penal Code offense that was dismissed under the deferred disposition statute, may they request expunction from the municipal court?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only if the court approves
• D. Not specified

Answer: (B)

Expunction is available when a case ends without a conviction. If a minor under 17 is charged with a Penal Code offense and the case is dismissed under the deferred disposition statute, there was no final adjudication of guilt. That sets up the opportunity to request expunction of the court’s records and the related law‑enforcement records. The request is filed with the municipal court that handled the case, and, if granted, the court orders the agencies to purge or seal the records. Because the case was dismissed under deferred disposition, the minor can pursue expunction, helping prevent the stain of that charge from affecting them later.