Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Maine
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Maine, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: For most juvenile crimes, the court must seal the records within 5 business days after receiving proper notice that the juvenile has been finally discharged from the disposition. 15 M.R.S. § 3308-C
| Juvenile records | For most juvenile crimes, the court must seal the records within 5 business days after receiving proper notice that the juvenile has been finally discharged from the disposition. For juvenile crimes that would be murder, a Class A, B or C crime, or OUI if committed by an adult, the person may petition to seal after at least 3 years since discharge, with no new adjudication or conviction since the disposition and no pending proceedings. The court may deny if the public's right to information substantially outweighs the juvenile's privacy interest. After sealing, the person may answer most inquiries as if the juvenile crime never happened. Sealing does not remove any firearm prohibition. Source: 15 M.R.S. § 3308-C |
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Where to get help in Maine
More Maine expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Maine Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Maine
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Maine
- How to File for Expungement in Maine
- All Maine expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Maine?
For most juvenile crimes, the court must seal the records within 5 business days after receiving proper notice that the juvenile has been finally discharged from the disposition. For juvenile crimes that would be murder, a Class A, B or C crime, or OUI if committed by an adult, the person may petition to seal after at least 3 years since discharge, with no new adjudication or conviction since the disposition and no pending proceedings. The court may deny if the public's right to information substantially outweighs the juvenile's privacy interest. After sealing, the person may answer most inquiries as if the juvenile crime never happened. Sealing does not remove any firearm prohibition.
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.