Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Pennsylvania
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Pennsylvania, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: Juvenile delinquency records, and records of summary offenses committed before age 18, are expunged on the court's own motion or the motion of the child or a parent, after 30 days' notice to the district attorney. 18 Pa.C.S. § 9123
| Juvenile records | Juvenile delinquency records, and records of summary offenses committed before age 18, are expunged on the court's own motion or the motion of the child or a parent, after 30 days' notice to the district attorney. This applies when, for example: the complaint was unsubstantiated or dismissed; six months have passed after an informal adjustment, consent decree, or diversion; two years have passed after final discharge for a misdemeanor adjudication; or five years have passed for a felony adjudication (and certain firearms or indecent-assault misdemeanors), with no new convictions or adjudications and nothing pending. Expungement can also happen with the prosecutor's consent and court approval. Some serious offenses committed at age 14 or older are excepted. Source: 18 Pa.C.S. § 9123 |
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Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Pennsylvania Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Pennsylvania
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Pennsylvania
- How to File for Expungement in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Pennsylvania?
Juvenile delinquency records, and records of summary offenses committed before age 18, are expunged on the court's own motion or the motion of the child or a parent, after 30 days' notice to the district attorney. This applies when, for example: the complaint was unsubstantiated or dismissed; six months have passed after an informal adjustment, consent decree, or diversion; two years have passed after final discharge for a misdemeanor adjudication; or five years have passed for a felony adjudication (and certain firearms or indecent-assault misdemeanors), with no new convictions or adjudications and nothing pending. Expungement can also happen with the prosecutor's consent and court approval. Some serious offenses committed at age 14 or older are excepted.
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.