Is it Possible to Seal a Juvenile Record?

Yes, a juvenile record can be sealed, meaning that for most purposes, the offense will be regarded as though it never happened. This can allow your child to find employment, obtain a driver’s license, and even be approved for a loan. It also gives your child the right to state they do not have a criminal or arrest record without penalty. Still, sealing juvenile records is not automatic, even after your child turns 18 years old. Below, our San Diego juvenile offenses lawyer explains in greater detail.

How to Seal Juvenile Records 

To seal your child’s juvenile record, you must ask the court to do so. If your request is granted, any court records, police reports, probation documentation, and district attorney files are sealed and eventually destroyed. The charges, and the court hearings involved afterward, are treated as though they never happened. If anyone asks about the matter, the authorities are required to reply that they do not have any records pertaining to the issue.

The Importance of Sealing Juvenile Records

There are many reasons to have your child’s juvenile record sealed. Juvenile records have significant consequences and can negatively impact your child’s ability to obtain employment, attend the college of their choosing, or apply to medical, graduate, or law school. Legislators in California established the law allowing for the sealing of juvenile records so young people could start their adult life with a clean slate.

Eligibility for Sealing Juvenile Records 

While many young people are eligible for sealing their juvenile records, this is not true for everyone. Your child’s record may be sealed if the following are true:

• Your child is 18 years of age or older, or it has been at least five years since your child was discharged from probation or from their last arrest.
• Your child was not convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving a crime of moral turpitude since their most recent probation discharge or arrest. Crimes of moral turpitude include murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other violent offenses.
• Your child can prove their rehabilitation.
• The case began and was finalized in juvenile court.
• There is no pending civil lawsuit associated with the actions on their juvenile record.

There are certain offenses that are automatically ineligible to be sealed. These include carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, certain firearm charges, and others. Still, it is imperative to speak to a juvenile offenses lawyer who can advise you of your options. In these cases, the courts may consider additional factors such as the age of your child at the time of the offense.

Our Juvenile Offenses Lawyer in San Diego Can Help Your Child

If your child has been found delinquent, there may still be certain steps you can take to help protect their future. At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., our San Diego juvenile offenses lawyer can advise on whether your child’s record can be sealed or prepare the defense they need to give them the best chance of beating the charges. Call us now at 858-285-4595 or fill out our online form to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/juvenile-justice/seal-record