Expunging a Juvenile Record: How It Works

What Are Juvenile Records?

A juvenile record is the official documentation of a child’s involvement with the legal system. It can include:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Court proceedings and outcomes (juvenile court records)
• Juvenile detention center records if the youth was held
• Probation or supervision information, such as understanding probation for youth offenders

Even if a child was not convicted, records may still exist. Families may also want to explore NJCMO’s broader resources on court involvement.

Do Juvenile Records Get Sealed at 18?

One of the most common myths is that juvenile records are expunged at 18. In reality, juvenile records in New Jersey are not automatically erased. Some records may be sealed, which limits public access, but sealing does not mean deletion.

• Sealed records: These records are hidden from the public but remain visible to law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies.
• Expunged records: These are legally erased. Once expunged, it is as if the record never existed.

For authoritative guidance, families can review the New Jersey Courts Expungement Overview.

Why Juvenile Records Are Sealed

The purpose of sealing juvenile records is to protect young people from lifelong stigma. By keeping juvenile court records private, the system supports rehabilitation rather than punishment.

However, sealing does not prevent all access. Records can still be reviewed by officials in specific cases, which can surprise families who assume sealed records are completely hidden. This is why parents often pursue expungement of juvenile records for a more permanent solution.

It’s important to remember that juvenile cases are not processed the same way as adult cases. Knowing how juvenile court differs from adult criminal court helps families understand why expungement is often possible and how it protects a young person’s future.

Who Can See Sealed Juvenile Records?

Sealed records are not available to the general public or employers running standard checks. But they can still be accessed by:

• Judges and juvenile court staff
• Law enforcement agencies
• Government officials conducting certain background investigations
• Licensing boards in sensitive professions

So while sealed records improve privacy, they may still affect opportunities like military enlistment or professional licensing. Expungement of juvenile records is often the only way to guarantee these records no longer appear.

For more detail, see the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission resources on juvenile confidentiality.

The Expungement Process in New Jersey

Expungement permanently erases juvenile records from official systems. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Check Eligibility – Courts review the offense, the youth’s age at the time, and how long it has been since the case closed.
2. File a Petition – Families must submit legal documents to the court requesting expungement. Free forms are available through the NJ Courts Expungement Self-Help Center.
3. Court Review – A judge examines the petition and may schedule a hearing.
4. Final Order – If approved, the records are removed from court files, law enforcement databases, and juvenile detention records.

Because the process is not automatic, families often need guidance from lawyers or advocacy groups. NJCMO helps connect parents to these resources.

Do Background Checks Show Juvenile Records?

Parents often worry about whether juvenile records show on background checks. The answer depends on whether the record is sealed or expunged:

• Sealed records: Usually hidden from most employers, but still visible to law enforcement or specialized agencies.
• Expunged records: Should not appear on any background check.

This distinction can be critical when a child applies for jobs, higher education, or professional licenses.

How to Find Out If a Juvenile Record Exists

Parents sometimes don’t know if a record still exists. While juvenile records are not public in New Jersey and cannot be freely searched online, they may still be accessible through official channels.

Families wondering how to look up juvenile records need to contact the local juvenile court or law enforcement. The NJ Courts expungement portal also allows families to file and check the status of certain expungement applications. NJCMO can guide families to the right offices or legal professionals to confirm whether a record is still on file.

How Juvenile Records Affect the Future

Unresolved juvenile court records can impact more than just employment. They may also affect:

• Military service eligibility
• Immigration processes
• Housing applications
• College admissions

Even if juvenile records are sealed, they may still appear in sensitive situations. That’s why many families choose to pursue full expungement of juvenile records rather than rely on sealing.

How to Seal or Expunge Juvenile Records

The process to seal or expunge juvenile records includes:

1. Confirming eligibility for sealing or expungement.
2. Filing petitions in the juvenile court.
3. Attending hearings if required.
4. Receiving a court order confirming sealing or expungement.

Eligibility can depend on prior probation outcomes, so it’s helpful for families to learn how probation for youth offenders can affect expungement.

Conclusion

Juvenile records do not automatically disappear at age 18. The difference between sealing and expungement can make a major difference in your child’s future. Expungement of juvenile records ensures that past mistakes won’t interfere with employment, education, or opportunities later in life.At NJCMO.org, we connect parents and caregivers with the legal and community resources they need to explore expungement and protect their child’s future. For more guidance, explore our services on court involvement, navigating juvenile detention, and understanding probation for youth offenders.

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