What is the fate of juvenile records?

In California, juvenile records are confidential, and there are different rules for different types of cases when it comes to their fate. In general, most records are not disclosed and are destroyed once a juvenile turns 18 or two years after their case is dismissed, whichever happens first. However, certain records such as those related to serious violent felonies, weapons violations, or certain sex offenses are required to be kept. These records may be accessed by law enforcement and can be used to enhance sentencing if the juvenile were to be convicted of a crime later on in life. In some cases, the juvenile court may choose to transfer certain cases to the criminal court due to the severity of the crime or the age of the juvenile. In this case, the record of the proceedings would become a public record and is accessible to the public. In addition, records related to long-term probation or commitment to the California Youth Authority are kept for longer periods of time and may be used for enhanced sentencing in future criminal cases. Overall, a juvenile record does not follow a person for life, but in certain cases, the record can have long term effects. It is important for any juvenile who is involved in the court system to understand their rights and the potential implications of their record.

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