How long do juvenile records stay on file?

In California, juvenile records stay on file until the person turns 28 years old. The state’s juvenile records system, the California Department of Justice (DOJ), stores everyone’s juvenile arrest information indefinitely. However, juvenile records are usually not available to the public and are not used in background checks or as a factor in criminal prosecutions. Juveniles may have the opportunity to have their records sealed, or expunged. Expungement involves the court filing a motion to seal the records, after which time the records are no longer available to the public. The records are sealed, but not destroyed, and can still be accessed by the court if needed. However, the court will usually only grant expungement if the juvenile has been crime-free for a certain amount of time, typically seven years or more. In addition to the length of time that records remain on file, juveniles must also abide by specific laws concerning juvenile crimes. Depending on the severity of the crime, juveniles may be adjudicated as adults in certain circumstances, resulting in a felony conviction and significantly longer jail sentences. Therefore, it is important for juveniles to understand the law and the consequences of their behavior.

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How long do juvenile records stay on file?

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