Criminal Record Sealing or Expungement
Expungement is a process by which criminal records are treated as though they no longer exist. The limits and options regarding expungement differ from state to state, but all states allow some form of expungement or file sealing for most juvenile offenses.
Do Juvenile Records Automatically Get Expunged?
Juvenile criminal records are sometimes expunged automatically, but this varies from state to state. For example, in some states, juvenile records will only be expunged automatically if the former juvenile remains clear of criminal trouble for a certain period after reaching adulthood. Other states require the former juvenile to bring a motion to have the record sealed or expunged. See a lawyer in your state to find out what options are open to you.
I Am an Adult, Can My Expunged Juvenile Record Be Used in a Proceeding against Me Now?
Expunging your record does not necessarily mean that the records disappear from the courts. It may be possible for your juvenile record to be brought into a proceeding against you later in life. If there are charges against you and you are concerned about whether your juvenile record may be brought in, you should see a criminal attorney, who can help you understand your rights and options.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Expunge My Record or have my Criminal Record Sealed?
You do not need a lawyer to expunge your record if you live in a state where this is done automatically at a certain age. However, you should talk to criminal lawyer who specializes in expungement in your state to find out exactly how juvenile records are expunged, and to guarantee that all the necessary steps are taken to expunge your record correctly. |
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