Sealing Your Juvenile Records
Many people think that your juvenile records are automatically removed from your record when you turn 18. This is NOT true!
First of all, the charges are not removed, but are "sealed". This means that the records can no longer be accessed by the general public, certain agencies would still be able to view the records. It is a very good idea to get your juvenile records sealed, especially if you plan on applying for a job or want to get a lease somewhere. Most charges require that you have had at least two years since the completion of probation or detention time, some charges are not even eligible to be sealed.
Secondly, sealing your juvenile records doesn't happen automatically, it is a court process. You will have to go to the clerk's office to get a petitition to seal your records. You will need one for each offense you want the court to remove. You will have to complete the paperwork, make copies, then file the petition(s), usually costing about $5.00 per file. Then you must serve a copy to other involved parties, including the agency that originally filed the charges (usually a police department). After that part is done, you will be scheduled to go in front of a judge or a court commissioner to get approval to seal the record of the charge(s).
Once the approval to seal your record has been given, it is your responsibility to return to the charging agency and be sure that they seal your record.
There is help in navigating the system for sealing your juvenile criminal record. Use the following links to help you through the process of sealing your juvenile criminal record.
Juvenile Record Sealing Clinic
Juvenile Record Sealing Forms and Instructions
Washington Courts-Vacating/Sealing Records
First of all, the charges are not removed, but are "sealed". This means that the records can no longer be accessed by the general public, certain agencies would still be able to view the records. It is a very good idea to get your juvenile records sealed, especially if you plan on applying for a job or want to get a lease somewhere. Most charges require that you have had at least two years since the completion of probation or detention time, some charges are not even eligible to be sealed.
Secondly, sealing your juvenile records doesn't happen automatically, it is a court process. You will have to go to the clerk's office to get a petitition to seal your records. You will need one for each offense you want the court to remove. You will have to complete the paperwork, make copies, then file the petition(s), usually costing about $5.00 per file. Then you must serve a copy to other involved parties, including the agency that originally filed the charges (usually a police department). After that part is done, you will be scheduled to go in front of a judge or a court commissioner to get approval to seal the record of the charge(s).
Once the approval to seal your record has been given, it is your responsibility to return to the charging agency and be sure that they seal your record.
There is help in navigating the system for sealing your juvenile criminal record. Use the following links to help you through the process of sealing your juvenile criminal record.
Juvenile Record Sealing Clinic
Juvenile Record Sealing Forms and Instructions
Washington Courts-Vacating/Sealing Records