Accessing Juvenile Court Records

Depending on how serious the crime is that the youth committed, crimes committed by a juvenile can count against them in the future. If the crime was serious or violent, then the crime might show up later on when they are an adult. If the records are not sealed, then the child can petition the court to seal the juvenile court records, or the parents can petition the court for a sufficient amount of time, usually between five and six years, after the case has ended. If the petition is approved by the court, all of the arrest records and case records, along with all of the criminal records information, will be sealed.

Many states seal juvenile court records when the juvenile becomes an adult. Some states require that the juvenile file a petition with the courts to have his records sealed. If the crime the juvenile committed is an adult felony, then their criminal records information can be accessed. In some states when a juvenile commits a sexual offense, he may be required to register as a sex offender for his entire life. Many states close records when the juvenile reaches adulthood, while some require the youth to file a petition with the court system to seal his records. In some states, they may use cameras and recording devices in the juvenile courtroom at the judge's discretion. Many states seal juvenile records when the youth is an adult. If the media obtains access to state court records legally through outside sources, then the press may publish it if they do not reveal the youth's identity. Some states allow the court to block the press from releasing the information that was obtained during the trial, while other states prosecute people who reveal private juvenile records. In some states, if a member of the press attains the name of the youth from an outside source, then they are permitted to publish it, while other states prohibit this practice.

No matter how strict the rules are pertaining to the security of sealed juvenile court records, there is always a way to obtain a portion of the information from these records. Civil court records are easier to access. Records are often opened when the juvenile is an adult and being prosecuted for a new crime. Information in his prior criminal records is vital when determining his sentence. Confidential records rarely remain private. There are always extenuating circumstances.