A mistake you made as a minor that led to a court record can significantly affect your adult life. You may face limited opportunities when it comes to employment, housing, or education. That’s why sealing a juvenile record is often a crucial step toward a fresh start.
When the court seals your juvenile record in Washington, the proceedings are treated as if they never occurred. Employers, landlords, and educational institutions typically won’t have access to sealed records, and you generally won’t be required to disclose them on applications.
Can everyone with a juvenile record seal their case?
Not everyone is automatically eligible to have their juvenile records sealed. In Washington, the law excludes certain offenses from administrative sealing, meaning the court will not automatically schedule a hearing to seal those records. These include:
- Most serious offenses as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 (e.g., Class A felonies, assault in the second degree, assault of a child in the second degree, controlled substance homicide, leading organized crime, rape in the third degree, and sexual exploitation)
- Sex offenses under chapter 9A.44 RCW
- Certain drug offenses defined under RCW 9.94A.030
If you were convicted of a different offense, the court will typically schedule a sealing hearing after your 18th birthday, the completion of probation (if ordered), or your release from confinement or parole.
What can you do if your records aren’t eligible for automatic sealing?
If your record isn’t eligible for automatic sealing, you may still request sealing by filing a motion with the court. This process involves meeting additional legal requirements. For example, if your offense was a Class A felony, you must have spent at least five consecutive years in the community without being convicted of or adjudicated for any new crimes since your last release from confinement.
The court will also consider factors such as rehabilitation, public safety, and your overall conduct since the offense.
Taking the next step
Sealing your juvenile record can make it easier to pursue education, employment, and housing opportunities without the shadow of your past holding you back. To find out if your record is eligible—and to understand the steps you need to take—it’s wise to seek legal guidance.