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The Process Of Sealing Your Juvenile Record In The State Of California
If a minor is involved in a crime, then their involvement in this crime, as well as any other related information, will be placed into a juvenile record.
Many people assume that this California juvenile record is automatically sealed – or, in turn, that its contents are expunged – when the minor turns eighteen.
But, this assumption is incorrect.
If you would like to seal your juvenile record, there is a specific process that you must go through. By reading this quick guide and speaking with a California juvenile criminal law attorney, you will be able to do so quickly and easily.
The Process Of Sealing Your Juvenile Record In The State Of California
Step 01: Fill Out The Proper Form
Right away, the first thing you must do is fill out a form titled “Request to Seal Juvenile Records.”
Some probation departments may give you a different form. If this happens to be the case, you must fill out that form instead of the form found in the link.
Step 02: Bring The Form To Your Probation Department
Right after you fill out your “Request to Seal Juvenile Records” form, you must bring it to the probation department in which the juvenile record is held.
Just as an example, if you have a juvenile record in Orange County, you must bring it to the probation department within Orange County.
Some counties require you to bring this form to the local court. And if that is the case, then you must bring it to the local court.
Step 03: The Probation Department Gives Your Form To The Court
The probation department will give your form to the local county court. But that’s not all they must give to the court, as the probation department must also provide the following:
- A list of people who might have a record of your case.
- A list of prior contacts with law enforcement or probate.
Just for clarity’s sake, the probation department has ninety days to give your form to the local county. This period turns into 180 days, though, if you have juvenile records in multiple counties.
Step 04: A Decision Is Made
The fourth and final step in the process is as follows: a decision is made.
Right before a decision can be made, the court must go over your request. Sometimes, the judge decides right away. Other times, though, a judge chooses to conduct a hearing. If there is a hearing, then you will receive a notice of this hearing in the mail.
Sometimes, a hearing is “unopposed.” This means that you can choose not to show up to the hearing and that, in doing so, there will be no penalty.
If the above is not true, you will need to show up to the hearing. And, while there, you will be able to learn whether or not you can have your juvenile record sealed.
Speak With An Orange County Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
The process of sealing your juvenile criminal record can be long, confusing, and difficult. Speak with an Orange County juvenile criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Katie Walsh today, and we will help you do so.