In Utah, the public has limited access to juvenile records, though certain individuals and agencies are permitted to view them. To ensure maximum confidentiality, you may be able to have your juvenile record expunged, following the guidelines below. An expunged record may be viewed only by court order. Generally, expunged juvenile records are treated as though they never existed. You are not required to disclose information about your expunged juvenile record to anyone -- for instance, to colleges or potential employers.
Does Your Juvenile Court Record Qualify for Expungement?
Your juvenile records may qualify for expungement if all of the following are true:
- you are at least eighteen years old
- it has been one year since the end of your case and you have paid any fines, fees, or restitution, and
- since the end of your case, you have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and no criminal proceedings are pending against you.
Adjudications for murder or aggravated murder cannot be expunged.
(Utah Code § 78A-6-1105.)
How to File
To expunge your juvenile court record, you must file a petition with the court that handled your juvenile case. For more information, visit the Utah State Courts' website or contact the court clerk's office.
Getting Legal Help
Clearing a juvenile record can be complicated. If you are not sure whether your record qualifies for expungement in Utah -- 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.
