How can a juvenile offender's criminal record be expunged?

In Pennsylvania, a juvenile offender can petition the court to have their criminal record expunged. To qualify for expungement, a juvenile offender must have remained free of any criminal activity for a period of two years. The request must be filed in the juvenile court where the offense occurred. The petition must be signed by the juvenile offender, or if the juvenile is unable to sign, a guardian or parent can sign it on their behalf. The petition must include specific details such as identifying information, details regarding the offense and the court and county where the offense occurred. Once the petition is filed, the court will order a background check to confirm the offender is eligible for expungement. The court will then review the petition and if approved, will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, the juvenile offender and their attorney will have the opportunity to present evidence and any argument supporting the petition. In making a decision, the court will consider factors such as the severity of the offense, the offender’s age at the time of the offense, and the length of time that has passed since the offense. If the court grants the petition, the criminal record will be expunged. This means that the offense will no longer be visible to law enforcement, employers, and other individuals.

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How can a juvenile offender's criminal record be expunged?

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