Expunging or Sealing a Juvenile Court Record in North Dakota

In North Dakota, juvenile court records are automatically sealed when the court proceedings end; they may be viewed only in very limited circumstances. (North Dakota Statutes § 54-23.4-17.) At a later date, the records are automatically expunged -- that is, completely destroyed. After your juvenile record is destroyed, it is treated as though it never existed.

When Are Juvenile Records Destroyed?

Following are the dates upon which the records for some common kinds of juvenile proceedings are destroyed.

Juvenile delinquency records are destroyed ten years after you turn eighteen or the final order against you expires, whichever date is later.

Juvenile unruly records are destroyed one year after you turn eighteen or the final order against you expires, whichever date is later.

Juvenile drug court files are destroyed two years after you turn eighteen or your drug court program ends, with some exceptions.

Juvenile sex offense records are destroyed fifty years after the date of the disposition or action against you.

(For more information and details, see the Records Retention Schedule of North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 19.)

Can Your Juvenile Record Be Destroyed Early?

If you want your records to be destroyed before the date specified by law, you must ask the court that handled your juvenile case to approve your request. Because of North Dakota’s provisions for confidentiality followed by the automatic destruction of records, there are no formally established procedures for requesting early expungement. To explore the possibility, you should contact a qualified criminal law attorney. A good lawyer can help you evaluate your situation and guide you each step of the way.