Expunging or Sealing a Juvenile Court Record in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the public has limited access to juvenile court records. To ensure the greatest confidentiality, however, you can apply to have your juvenile record sealed or expunged under the circumstances described below. Generally, if your record is sealed or expunged, it is treated as though it never existed. You are not required to disclose information about your sealed or expunged juvenile record to anyone -- for instance, to colleges or potential employers.

Does Your Juvenile Court Record Qualify for Sealing?

Your record may qualify for sealing if:

• at least one year has passed since your case ended
• you have not committed a subsequent offense, and
• no proceedings are pending against you.

In addition, your record may be eligible for sealing if:

• after a court intake, your case was dismissed or you completed preadjudicatory probation
• you completed a first-time offender diversion program and your case was dismissed, or
• you completed a military mentor program and your case was dismissed.

In the three situations listed just above, you may apply to have your record sealed if at least one year has passed since your case ended, or if you are at least eighteen years old.

After a record has been sealed for ten years, it may be destroyed.

(Title 10A Oklahoma Statutes § 2-6-108.)

Does Your Juvenile Court Record Qualify for Expungement?

Juvenile records that are not confidential may qualify for expungement if:

• you are at least twenty-one years old
• you have not been arrested for an adult crime
• there are no criminal charges pending against you
• you have not been convicted or received a deferred sentence for a criminal offense, and
• you have satisfied all the conditions of your juvenile case.

If you meet the conditions above, the court will agree to expunge your record if it finds that the harm to your privacy outweighs the public interest in keeping the record open. If the court finds in your favor, your record will be sealed. After ten years, the record may be destroyed.

(Title 10A Oklahoma Statutes § 2-6-109.)

How to File

To seal or expunge a juvenile court record, you must file a petition in the court that handled your case. Contact the court clerk’s office for more information.

Getting Legal Help

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