Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Iowa
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Iowa, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: After a delinquency adjudication, the juvenile court must schedule a sealing hearing on its own two years after the last official action or when the person turns 18, whichever is later; Iowa Code § 232.150
| Juvenile records | After a delinquency adjudication, the juvenile court must schedule a sealing hearing on its own two years after the last official action or when the person turns 18, whichever is later; a person whose case did not result in adjudication may apply. The court seals the records if the person is at least 18, two years have passed, there have been no later felony or aggravated or serious misdemeanor convictions or similar adjudications, the person was not sentenced as a youthful offender, and the case was not an OWI. For offenses that would be aggravated misdemeanors or felonies, sealing must also be in the best interests of the person and the public. Sealed records no longer exist as a matter of law. Source: Iowa Code § 232.150 |
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Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Iowa Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Iowa
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Iowa
- How to File for Expungement in Iowa
- All Iowa expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Iowa?
After a delinquency adjudication, the juvenile court must schedule a sealing hearing on its own two years after the last official action or when the person turns 18, whichever is later; a person whose case did not result in adjudication may apply. The court seals the records if the person is at least 18, two years have passed, there have been no later felony or aggravated or serious misdemeanor convictions or similar adjudications, the person was not sentenced as a youthful offender, and the case was not an OWI. For offenses that would be aggravated misdemeanors or felonies, sealing must also be in the best interests of the person and the public. Sealed records no longer exist as a matter of law.
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.