District Of Columbia § 16-806 - Availability of sealed records.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-806 — Availability of sealed records., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-806. Availability of sealed records.
16-806Records sealed on grounds of actual innocence pursuant to shall be opened only on order of the Court upon a showing of compelling need; except, that upon request, the movant, or the authorized representative of the movant, shall be entitled to a copy of the sealed records to the extent that such records would have been available to the movant before relief under was granted and shall also be entitled to all certifications filed with the Court pursuant to . A request for access to sealed court records may be made ex parte.
Records retained in a nonpublic file pursuant to , , or shall be available:
To any court, prosecutor, or law enforcement agency for any lawful purpose, including:
The investigation or prosecution of any offense;
The determination of whether a person is eligible to have an arrest or conviction sealed or expunged;
The determination of conditions of release for a subsequent arrest;
The determination of whether a person has committed a second or subsequent offense for charging or sentencing purposes;
Determining an appropriate sentence if the person is subsequently convicted of another crime; and
Employment decisions.
For use in civil litigation relating to the arrest or conviction;
Upon order of the Court for good cause shown;
Except for records sealed under §§ and , to any person or entity identified in , (E), or (F), but only to the extent that such records would have been available to such persons or entities before relief under was granted. Such records may be used for any lawful purpose, including:
The determination of whether a person is eligible to be licensed in a particular trade or profession; and
Employment decisions; and
To the movant or the authorized representative of the movant, upon request, but only to the extent that such records would have been available to the movant before relief under , , or was granted. The movant, or the authorized representative of the movant, shall also be entitled to all certifications filed with the Court pursuant to .
Any person, upon making inquiry of the Court concerning the existence of records of arrest, court proceedings, or convictions involving an individual, shall be entitled to rely, for any purpose under the law, upon the clerk’s response that no records are available under , , or with respect to any issue about that person’s knowledge of the individual’s record.
Except to the extent permitted by this section, all sealed records shall remain sealed.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-806
What does D.C. Code § 16-806 cover?
Section 16-806 ("Availability of sealed records.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 16-806?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-806" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 16-806 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.