Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Washington
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Washington, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: At disposition, the juvenile court schedules an administrative sealing hearing for after the latest of these: the youth's 18th birthday, the end of probation, or release from Juvenile Rehabilitation or parole. RCW 13.50.260
| Juvenile records | At disposition, the juvenile court schedules an administrative sealing hearing for after the latest of these: the youth's 18th birthday, the end of probation, or release from Juvenile Rehabilitation or parole. At that hearing the court must seal the record if the person is off supervision and has paid restitution owed to the individual victim. If restitution is unpaid, sealing is denied with instructions, and the person can request sealing again once it is paid. Administrative sealing does not apply to most serious offenses, sex offenses, or drug offenses. Those records may be sealed through other provisions not reviewed here. Records are sealed immediately after an acquittal or a dismissal with prejudice, except dismissals of deferred dispositions. Source: RCW 13.50.260 |
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Where to get help in Washington
More Washington expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Washington Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Washington
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Washington
- How to File for Expungement in Washington
- All Washington expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Washington?
At disposition, the juvenile court schedules an administrative sealing hearing for after the latest of these: the youth's 18th birthday, the end of probation, or release from Juvenile Rehabilitation or parole. At that hearing the court must seal the record if the person is off supervision and has paid restitution owed to the individual victim. If restitution is unpaid, sealing is denied with instructions, and the person can request sealing again once it is paid. Administrative sealing does not apply to most serious offenses, sex offenses, or drug offenses. Those records may be sealed through other provisions not reviewed here. Records are sealed immediately after an acquittal or a dismissal with prejudice, except dismissals of deferred dispositions.
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.