Unfortunately, a mistake you made as a minor that ended up on your juvenile court records may affect your ability to get a job, housing and benefits in the future. Luckily, Washington state allows residents to seal such records, making them unavailable to the public.
Nonetheless, you need to be adequately informed about this matter. Here is what you need to know:
It won’t automatically disappear when you turn 18
Your juvenile records won’t automatically disappear on your eighteenth birthday. In Washington, you need to ask the court to seal them and must be eligible for an administrative sealing.
For example, the court may refuse to seal the records of a minor who was found guilty of certain sex and drug offenses. Another requirement that must be met is completing the terms and conditions of the disposition, including fines, restitutions, sentences, correctional supervision, and so on.
Note that the court may also consider the period since the most recent conviction and any pending criminal matters.
Therefore, before requesting the court to schedule a sealing hearing date, obtain a complete record of your criminal history and the financial history of all your cases from the Clerk’s Office or Juvenile Court to determine your next suitable steps.
Sealing your juvenile court records is crucial. Consider seeking legal guidance sooner to protect your future opportunities.