Expunging or Sealing a Juvenile Court Record in Idaho

In Idaho, you may ask a court to expunge your juvenile record if you meet the requirements described below. Your records will not be destroyed, but they will be sealed and kept confidential. If your juvenile record is expunged, your case is deemed never to have occurred. You are not required to disclose information about it to anyone. (Idaho Code § 20-525A.)

Does Your Juvenile Record Qualify for Expungement?

You may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:

Misdemeanors or status offenses. For these offenses, you record may be expunged if you were not committed to the Department of Juvenile Corrections or subject to diversion or informal adjustment. You may submit your petition after you turn 18, or one year after your court supervision ends, whichever occurs last.

Felonies or other serious offenses. If you committed a felony or were committed to the Department of Juvenile Corrections, you may submit your petition five years after your court supervision ends, five years after you are released from a juvenile corrections center, or when you turn 18, whichever occurs last.         

Exceptions. The court may not authorize expungement of records for certain serious crimes, including voluntary manslaughter, rape, arson, aggravated battery, drug trafficking violations, and others.

In addition, your record will be eligible for expungement only if the court finds that expungement will not compromise public safety and that you:

• have not been convicted of a serious crime since you were released from juvenile supervision
• are not the subject of any currently pending criminal proceedings
• have been held accountable for the juvenile offenses you committed, and
• have become a contributing member of society.

(Idaho Code § 20-525A.)

How to File

You must file your petition for expungement in the juvenile county court where your case was handled. Contact the court clerk for more information and for the necessary papers.

Getting Legal Help

Clearing a juvenile record can be complicated. If you are not sure whether your record qualifies for expungement in Idaho --  or for help completing the necessary  paperwork -- you should contact a qualified criminal law attorney. A good lawyer can guide you each step of the way.