In Wyoming, the public is generally prohibited from viewing juvenile court records. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, however, including cases in which the court decides that releasing information is in the best interests of the public or that it may deter others from committing the same offense. Juvenile justice agencies, court officials, and other individuals may also access juvenile records under certain circumstances.
To ensure maximum confidentiality, you may be able to have your juvenile court record expunged, following the guidelines below. 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 Record Qualify for Expungement?
Fingerprint and photograph records. Juvenile fingerprint and photograph records may be maintained only if you were adjudicated delinquent for an act that would have been considered a felony if you were an adult. In all other cases, the court will order that fingerprint and photograph records be destroyed. You don’t have to take additional steps to expunge these records. (Wyoming Statutes § 14-6-240(b).)
Court records. If you were adjudicated delinquent or convicted as a minor in municipal or circuit court, you may ask the court to expunge your record if all of the following are true:
- you are at least eighteen years old
- the offense you are seeking to expunge is not a violent felony
- you have no subsequent felony convictions, and
- there are no felony criminal proceedings pending against you.
The court will grant your request if you can show that you are sufficiently rehabilitated.
(Wyoming Statutes § 14-6-241.)
How to File
To expunge your juvenile court record, you must file a petition with the court in the county where your case was handled. For more information, 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 Wyoming -- 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.
