People v. W.R. (In re W.R.)
Opinion
lead Opinion
Dondero, J.
INTRODUCTION
Minor W.R. appeals from the San Francisco Superior Court's order denying his motion to seal certain records pursuant to *810 Welfare and Institutions Code section 786. 1 This appeal involves the meaning of the phrase "in the case" used in several subsections of that statute. We find that the phrase does not reference the entire juvenile court file, as the minor contends. Nevertheless, we conclude for other reasons the court should have sealed the records in a case dismissed as part of a plea bargain with another case; had the discretion under section 786, subdivision (e)(1) to seal the records pertaining to another petition in which the allegations were found not true; but did not have the discretion under section 786, subdivisions (b) or (e)(1) to seal the records pertaining to a petition filed subsequent to the last petition for which the minor was placed on probation. However, as to that petition, the minor may seek to have his records sealed pursuant to section 781. Thus, we reverse in part and affirm in part the court's orders and remand for further proceedings consistent with the views expressed in this opinion.