When Are Juvenile Records Sealed?

A juvenile may request their record be sealed as soon as six months after completing their sentence, or immediately when they turn 18, as long as they are no longer under an order from juvenile court, such as probation. A “sealed record” only can be seen by the Court.

What states automatically seal juvenile records?

At least 15 states—Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Montana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia—have laws that automatically seal or expunge juvenile records in certain circumstances.

Does your criminal record clear at 18?

Under current rules, criminal convictions for under-18s stay on their record for five and a half years, while cautions last two years. Some offences are never removed.