California legal term
Vacate in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Vacate” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Vacate” mean in California criminal law?
“Vacate” means that the arrest and any adjudications or convictions suffered by the petitioner are deemed not to have occurred and that all records in the case are sealed and destroyed pursuant to this section. (Cal. Penal Code § 236.14)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.