People can have juvenile court records sealed.States usually have strict requirements that you must meet.You can only seal court records for certain crimes.If you want to get your juvenile court records sealed, you need a copy of your state law.You will need to file a petition with the court in order to attend a hearing.
Step 1: Determine if you need to act.
The public can't see juvenile records in some states.If you have a juvenile record in one of the states, you won't have to take action to have it sealed or expunged.Some states will seal your juvenile record at a certain time.If you have juvenile records in any of these states, you won't have to take any action to have them sealed.California, Nebraska, New Mexico and New York are some of the states that make juvenile records confidential.Automatic seal is offered in the following states: Nebraska, Alaska, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maryland, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, District of Columbia and Indiana.
Step 2: You can get a copy of your criminal history.
You have to know what crimes you were convicted of.You should get a copy of your criminal history as both a juvenile and an adult.Ask for a copy of your criminal history at the court clerk.Ask for a financial history.You might have been fined or ordered to pay money to your victims after you were convicted.Unless you have paid all of your fines, you can't have your records sealed.You can get a copy of your criminal history by contacting the state Bureau of Criminal Identification.The fee for this information will vary by state.
Step 3: You should read your state law.
Whether or not you can seal a juvenile record depends on state law.You need to find the law in the state where you were arrested.This might not be where you currently live.The internet can be used to find state laws, such asseal juvenile records.
Step 4: If you're old enough, find out.
States usually have an age requirement.You have to be at least 18 years old to seal the records in most states.The applicable age is 21 or older in some states.You can't petition a court in Minnesota until you're 28.The age requirement is 21 in Iowa.
Step 5: How much time has passed?
Depending on your state, you may be required to wait a certain amount of time.The amount of time varies by state, but can be from 30 days after your 18th birthday to several years after you get out of prison.
Step 6: Do you know the types of offenses that qualify?
Some states limit the kinds of offenses that can be sealed.A state might only seal convictions that are not felonies.A detailed list of convictions should be provided by your state law.If you have a conviction, take it out and see if it qualifies.In Alabama, offenses against persons and felonies can't be expunged.Sexual offenses in Florida are not eligible for expungement.
Step 7: Check for future arrests or convictions.
If you haven't been arrested or convicted as an adult, most states will only seal juvenile court records.There are pending charges against you.
Step 8: You can find the correct court.
You need to go to the court where you were convicted.You should go to the court in the county where you were arrested.You may have moved.If you have moved to North Carolina, you could have been convicted of a juvenile offense in Nebraska.To seal your records in Nebraska, you need to work with the courts there.
Step 9: You should get a form.
You can use the forms printed by the courts to request that your records be sealed.You can get required forms by contacting the court.You can also check online.Some forms can be found on the Internet.You can get a Petition to Seal Arrest and Criminal Records from the judicial branch website in Colorado.
Step 10: You have to fill out the form.
Either use a typewriter or black ink to print.You could type your information into the PDF before printing it if the court has forms you can download.The date you were found guilty of the offense should be listed on the forms.
Step 11: The form should be filed.
Take the original form to the court clerk.The original should be asked to be filed.The clerk should mark your copies.The date you filed is shown here.If you want to have your court records sealed in some states, you have to fill out a form and submit it to the Probation Department.You should look at your form.Once you have finished it, it should tell you where to return it.
Step 12: You have to pay a fee.
Depending on the court, you will probably have to pay a filing fee.You can ask for a fee waiver if you can't afford it.
Step 13: Ask for a hearing date.
Maybe you don't have to attend a hearing.Some states require you to have a hearing before a judge.If you need to schedule a hearing when you file, you can ask the clerk.You will need to fill out a Notice of Hearing and send it with your petition to the prosecutor.
Step 14: Notices be served on the prosecutor.
If you want your juvenile court records sealed, you have to send a copy of your petition to the prosecutor.You can give notice by sending a copy of your petition and other documents.How can you send a notice to the prosecutor?You should be able to mail it or hand deliver it.
Step 15: If it's necessary, get legal help.
You may have questions about the process.You should contact an attorney if you do.Look for a lawyer who specializes in post-conviction relief.If you want to get a lawyer, you should visit your state bar association.If you're looking for a bar association in your city or state, you can use the Internet to find it.You may not be able to hire a lawyer to handle the whole process.You can still schedule a half hour consultation.The consultation can be scheduled by calling the lawyer.Ask how much it costs.Some lawyers give out free consultations while others charge a reduced fee.
Step 16: It is appropriate to dress appropriately.
It's important that you look professional for your hearing.It means getting a haircut and taking a shower.If you have tattoos, try to cover them with long sleeve shirts or makeup.Men need to dress well.If they have a suit, they can wear it.They should wear a dress shirt with a tie if they don't.Women should wear a suit if they have a skirt suit or pants suit.Women can wear a conservative dress or dress slacks.Dress for a Court Hearing has more tips.
Step 17: Arrive on time.
You don't want to be late.You should give yourself plenty of time to get to the courthouse, find parking, and then pass through security.Arrive at the courtroom at least 15 minutes before the hearing starts.The clerk should know that you have arrived.Before entering the courtroom, turn off all cell phones and electronic devices.
Step 18: The judge has questions.
You should stand before the judge when your name is called.The judge might ask you questions.In a clear voice, answer all questions honestly.Don't interrupt the judge.Wait for the judge to finish asking a question before answering.Ask for clarification if you don't understand the question.The judge should always be called your honor.
Step 19: Be contrite.
The victim might be notified to attend the hearing in some states.This could make for a tense situation.If you want to make the best impression, you should be prepared to express remorse for your crime.Even if the victim doesn't show up, you should still be remorseful.Explain to the judge how you have turned your life around and what you've learned.
Step 20: There are certified copies of the judge's orders.
The judge will sign an order if he or she approves your petition.Your juvenile court records should be sealed.The court clerk can tell you how to get a certified copy.It is possible that you will have to pay for a certified copy.The price and acceptable methods of payment should be checked with the court clerk.
Step 21: Orders can be sent to the appropriate agencies.
When you filed your petition, you should send certified copies of your order to every agency.They need to know that the information should be kept out of the public eye.You should always keep at least one copy of the certified order for your records.