Most states don't allow the general public to view juvenile court records.They aren't necessarily sealed because they are confidential.If you have a juvenile record, you must petition the court to seal it once you're eligible.The juvenile records can only be accessed by certain people.You must file a petition with the court in order to get sealed juvenile records.
Step 1: Get the forms you need.
You must use specific forms in most states to access juvenile records.Any documents or other information maintained by the court in connection with a juvenile delinquency proceeding is included in juvenile court records.The clerk of that court maintains the records at the court house.
Step 2: You have to fill out the forms.
You should include information about why you want to view the records.You have to sign it when you complete the form.Your signature indicates that the information in your petition is true and correct.You will be guilty of a crime if you include false information in your petition.Due to the confidential nature of juvenile records, some jurisdictions will require you to sign a document agreeing not to give copies of the records to anyone else or to use them for anything other than the reason you stated in your petition.
Step 3: Go to the right office.
Your records are usually kept in the county where the juvenile court proceedings took place.You can see your own records, as well as those of your attorney, parents or legal guardians.To view the records, you must have a completed request form with a valid photo identification.When a record is created, your name must be the same as when it was created.If your name is different because you were married or adopted, you may have to show additional documents such as a marriage license or adoption decree to prove the name change.
Step 4: You can get copies of your record.
The records you requested will be mailed to you.It may take a few weeks for the court to process your request.If you want expedited processing, you can ask the clerk.You might have to pay an extra fee for that.
Step 5: Your state's law should be reviewed.
The purposes for which access is permitted and who is eligible to access sealed juvenile records are governed by state law.Access can be limited by the local court rules.If you think you are eligible, you should call the clerk's office.There are different regulations for access to juvenile records in different states.Anyone can petition to access sealed juvenile records in some states, but must have a legitimate reason for doing so.Only those in law enforcement, judicial, or public agencies can get access in other states.
Step 6: Get the forms you need.
You must use specific forms in your state to request access to sealed juvenile records from the juvenile court where the proceeding took place.You may be able to download these forms online.You can request them in person at the juvenile court clerk's office.
Step 7: You have to fill out the forms.
The form usually asks who you are, your relationship to the case, and why you want to look at the records.You will need to provide exact information about the case you want to view, including the juvenile's full legal name.You won't be able to get this information by calling the office or conducting an online search because the records are confidential.You need to give the court your relationship to the case or the individual who is the subject of the records, as well as your reasons for requesting access to those records.
Step 8: The appropriate parties need to be served.
The court must have proof that you notified related individuals or institutions of your request before you can get access to sealed juvenile records.Depending on the type of records you're seeking, who you must notify varies.You have to give notice of your request to the person who is the subject of the records you seek.You may need to serve the state child services agency to get access to juvenile dependency records.
Step 9: The juvenile court is where you should file your request.
Your forms will be reviewed by a judicial officer who will make a decision on your request.If you want to file your request in person, you can mail it to the clerk.It is possible that you will have to pay a processing fee as well as a fee for copies to be made.You will usually get copies in the mail if your request is approved.You will have to go to the courthouse again to view the files if you only inspect them.
Step 10: Find out if you are eligible.
When juvenile records can be sealed varies from state to state.Some states seal juvenile records after a certain period of time.In most cases, you have to petition the court to seal your records.You should be at least 18 years old and have no pending charges.If you've been arrested or convicted as an adult, many states won't seal your records.If you're over 18 you won't be able to have your records sealed until a certain period of time has passed.Five years from the date of the offense is the length of time that varies among states.If you were 15 years old at the time of the juvenile offense, you wouldn't be able to have those records sealed until you are 20.You can have a particular record sealed after five years if you're in California.You can't have had other offenses since the one you want sealed.If you have an open civil case related to an incident in which you had a juvenile record, you can't have the record sealed until the case is over.
Step 11: The forms should be obtained.
If you want the court to seal your records, most states have pre-printed forms you can use.Before you start filling out your forms, make sure you read the instructions carefully.You need to go to the clerk of court in the county where your juvenile delinquency proceeding took place to get the form.You can find the form online at the court's website, or you can call and request it be mailed to you.The forms require you to provide contact and identifying information, as well as details about the charges that you want to keep from the public.
Step 12: There are required documents or information to be gathered.
To fill out the form completely and accurately, you may need to get a copy of your arrest record.You must be in the clerk's office of the juvenile court to get your arrest record.The clerk will have to check your photo ID before releasing your records to you.You may be charged a fee for copying or retrieving arrest or court records.
Step 13: You have to file your forms.
You have to file your forms with the juvenile court where your proceeding took place.Make copies of your documents before you file your petition.You will need at least one copy for your own records, as well as copies for any other individuals or agencies that are required to be notified of your request.You have to pay a fee when you file a petition.You should call the clerk's office in advance to find out the amount of the fee and how to pay it.You can expect it to be around $100.You can apply for a Waiver if you can't afford the fee.The court will allow you to proceed without paying fees if your income and assets are below a certain threshold.
Step 14: The forms should be served on the appropriate parties.
Notices must be given to certain individuals and agencies that have an interest in your case.A copy of your petition is usually given to the prosecutor or district attorney.You have to notify the victims of the offenses you committed.
Step 15: You need to appear at your hearing.
A hearing will be held to determine if your request should be granted.It may take several months for your hearing to be scheduled.The date, time, and location of your hearing will be provided in a notice of hearing that you will receive in the mail.Evidence of your rehabilitation and eligibility to have your records sealed may be presented at the hearing.A teacher or a religious leader can testify for you.If your records are sealed, all documents held by the court, the Probation department, and any law enforcement agency will be closed and treated as if they never happened.If your juvenile record contains only criminal charges against you, you can't be asked if you were previously arrested or convicted of a crime.If an employer does a criminal background check, certain serious felonies may still be available.Even if your juvenile records are sealed, they can still be accessed in certain circumstances.If you are convicted of the same crime again, the conviction can serve as a strike under your state's Three Strikes statute, which will result in a harsher punishment.Traffic violations or parking offenses can't be sealed.