Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Montana
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Montana, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: Formal and informal youth court records, law enforcement records and youth corrections records must be physically sealed on the youth's 18th birthday, or when any extended jurisdiction ends. MCA § 41-5-216
| Juvenile records | Formal and informal youth court records, law enforcement records and youth corrections records must be physically sealed on the youth's 18th birthday, or when any extended jurisdiction ends. Other agencies' copies must be destroyed. Exceptions include medical records, fingerprints, DNA, photographs, youth traffic records, cases where the youth did not complete all court requirements, and cases requiring sex offender registration. Sealed records may be opened only by youth court order for good cause to certain agencies, adult probation staff preparing a presentence report, and victims of sexual offenses. Records may be destroyed with consent after 10 years. Source: MCA § 41-5-216 |
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Where to get help in Montana
More Montana expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Montana Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Montana
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Montana
- How to File for Expungement in Montana
- All Montana expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Montana?
Formal and informal youth court records, law enforcement records and youth corrections records must be physically sealed on the youth's 18th birthday, or when any extended jurisdiction ends. Other agencies' copies must be destroyed. Exceptions include medical records, fingerprints, DNA, photographs, youth traffic records, cases where the youth did not complete all court requirements, and cases requiring sex offender registration. Sealed records may be opened only by youth court order for good cause to certain agencies, adult probation staff preparing a presentence report, and victims of sexual offenses. Records may be destroyed with consent after 10 years.
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.