Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in District of Columbia
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in District of Columbia, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: On the person's motion or its own, the Family Court must vacate its findings and seal juvenile case, social and law enforcement records if two years have passed since final discharge from custody or supervision (or since the last order), and the person has not since been convicted or… D.C. Code § 16-2335
| Juvenile records | On the person's motion or its own, the Family Court must vacate its findings and seal juvenile case, social and law enforcement records if two years have passed since final discharge from custody or supervision (or since the last order), and the person has not since been convicted or adjudicated and has nothing pending. After sealing, the proceedings are treated as if they never occurred and the person may reply that no record exists. A later delinquency adjudication or felony conviction cancels the sealing. Juveniles may refuse to disclose delinquency history on employment, education or housing applications. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 16-2335 |
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Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your District of Columbia Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in District of Columbia
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in District of Columbia
- How to File for Expungement in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in District of Columbia?
On the person's motion or its own, the Family Court must vacate its findings and seal juvenile case, social and law enforcement records if two years have passed since final discharge from custody or supervision (or since the last order), and the person has not since been convicted or adjudicated and has nothing pending. After sealing, the proceedings are treated as if they never occurred and the person may reply that no record exists. A later delinquency adjudication or felony conviction cancels the sealing. Juveniles may refuse to disclose delinquency history on employment, education or housing applications.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.