Who has access to juvenile crime records?
Access to a person's juvenile crime records is much more restricted than access to adult crime records. Most states consider juvenile crime records confidential and will deny the public and media access. Access to juvenile records is usually only granted to certain persons and organizations, such as: - Local, state and federal law enforcement
- Prosecutors
- Court officials
- Parents
- The juvenile's attorney
- Victims or potential victims
- School officials
Access to juvenile crime records may not be automatic. Persons or organizations seeking access might have to get court permission by making a showing of good cause, and even then, the court may have the authority to deny the request in its discretion. When Are Juvenile Records Available to the Public and Media?
Some states have exceptions to the general confidentiality provided juvenile records when the juvenile is charged with a particularly violent crime or a crime that would be a felony if committed by an adult. States that currently have this exception are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Washington. On the other hand, some states guarantee that juvenile records will remain sealed to the public and media after a person turns 21 years old, as long as he did not commit another serious crime after the age of 18. Do I Need an Attorney with Experience in Juvenile Crime?If you have a problem regarding access to juvenile crime records, an attorney with experience in juvenile crime can provide invaluable assistance. State laws regarding the confidentiality of juvenile records can vary greatly, but a criminal law attorney familiar with your state's laws will know how to best protect or access those records. |
