How Juvenile Records Affect a Child’s Future—and How to Seal Them
Juvenile records can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future. Although these records relate to actions taken when a child was under 18, they can still influence opportunities for years to come. From education and employment to housing and personal relationships, juvenile records often shape how others see a child’s potential.
In Maryland, certain laws protect juveniles by allowing records to be sealed, but the process requires attention and timely action. At Advocates for the Voiceless, our attorney has the experience to help you when you’re trying to figure out how to handle juvenile records. We provide quality representation that can make a difference in the outcome of your court case. Located in Riverdale Park, Maryland, our firm serves communities across the state and the nation. If you're worried about a juvenile record, call us now to schedule a consultation.
What Are Juvenile Records?
Juvenile records are official documents created when a minor is involved in legal proceedings. These may include arrests, petitions, adjudications, or dispositions related to delinquency, status offenses, or other court matters involving children.
The purpose of juvenile records is to document a child’s interaction with the juvenile justice system. These records often contain sensitive information such as the nature of the offense, the child’s personal details, and court outcomes. While they are designed to be confidential, juvenile records can sometimes become accessible to schools, employers, and others.
In Maryland, juvenile records are treated differently from adult criminal records. Still, they can have significant consequences if not sealed properly.
How Juvenile Records Can Impact a Child’s Future
Juvenile records can affect a child’s life long after the legal case is closed. Many people assume that juvenile records disappear automatically once the case ends, but this isn’t always true. Depending on the offense and the handling of the record, the information may remain available.
Here are some key areas where juvenile records can have an effect:
Education
Schools may seek access to juvenile records for admissions or disciplinary reviews. Although Maryland law restricts the use of these records, certain offenses can still impact school decisions.
Having a juvenile record might:
Lead to denial from some specialized schools or programs
Result in harsher disciplinary action for new incidents
Affect eligibility for scholarships or extracurricular activities
While a juvenile record doesn't automatically bar educational opportunities, it can create significant hurdles that impact a student's academic path and prospects.
Employment
Employers often conduct background checks on job applicants, and juvenile records can appear in some reports. Though many employers can’t access sealed juvenile records, unsealed ones may show up.
This can impact:
Job prospects, especially in sensitive fields like childcare or security
Opportunities for internships or volunteer work
Career advancement if employers learn about past offenses
Even a juvenile record that seems minor can create barriers to employment, limiting access to meaningful work and long-term career growth.
Housing and Public Benefits
Housing authorities and landlords sometimes review background information. Juvenile records may be a factor in rental applications or eligibility for public housing. Public benefits or government programs might also require background checks that include juvenile records, affecting a young adult’s ability to qualify.
Personal Relationships
Juvenile records can influence social relationships, especially if others find out about past legal issues. This can affect friendships, community involvement, or trust with family members.
Types of Juvenile Records in Maryland
Juvenile records can include several different types of documents depending on the stage and nature of the case. Here’s a brief overview:
Arrest records: Document the juvenile’s arrest, but it doesn’t always lead to charges.
Petition records: Filed when the state formally charges a juvenile with an offense.
Adjudication records: Similar to a conviction in adult court, the juvenile is found responsible for the offense.
Disposition records: Describe the court’s decision or punishment following adjudication.
Probation records: Include terms and conditions that the juvenile must follow after adjudication.
Each record type may be stored in different places, including the juvenile court, police departments, or state agencies.
When Juvenile Records Can Be Sealed in Maryland
Maryland law allows certain juvenile records to be sealed under specific conditions. Sealing means the records are hidden from most public and private background checks, protecting the child’s privacy and future opportunities.
Here are some general rules about sealing juvenile records in Maryland:
Records can be sealed after a certain waiting period, often two to three years after the case’s conclusion.
Sealing may apply only if the juvenile has no subsequent offenses.
Certain serious offenses might be excluded from sealing.
The process requires a petition to the court and sometimes a hearing.
Sealing juvenile records is intended to give children a chance to move on without stigma. But the timing and eligibility rules mean families must act promptly.
Steps to Seal Juvenile Records in Maryland
Sealing juvenile records involves a series of steps that families or juveniles themselves must follow. The process can be straightforward if the necessary conditions are met.
Step 1: Gather All Relevant Records
Start by collecting all documentation related to the juvenile case. This includes court orders, police reports, and any correspondence about the case.
Knowing exactly what records exist helps clarify what can be sealed.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Check whether the juvenile meets Maryland’s eligibility criteria. Factors considered include:
Type of offense
Time elapsed since case closure
Whether any other offenses occurred after the initial case
If unsure, it’s helpful to review Maryland’s statutes related to juvenile records and sealing.
Step 3: File a Petition to Seal the Records
The juvenile or a guardian must file a petition in the juvenile court where the case was handled. The petition requests that the court order the records to be sealed.
This petition typically requires:
A statement explaining why sealing is requested
Details of the juvenile case and its outcome
Proof that eligibility requirements are met
To seal juvenile records, you must file a petition with the appropriate court, including a detailed explanation, relevant case information, and documentation demonstrating eligibility.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing (If Required)
The court may schedule a hearing to consider the petition. At this hearing, the judge reviews the information and any objections from prosecutors or law enforcement.
The court then decides whether to grant the sealing request.
Step 5: Follow Up to Confirm Records Are Sealed
Once the court grants the petition, the relevant agencies must be notified to update their records. It’s important to confirm that records have actually been sealed and removed from public databases.
Benefits of Sealing Juvenile Records
Sealing juvenile records has several important benefits for children as they grow into adulthood. Here are a few of the main advantages:
Protects the child’s reputation by limiting public access
Opens doors for education and employment opportunities
Removes barriers to housing and public assistance
Supports emotional healing by reducing stigma
Helps families move forward without constant reminders of past mistakes
Sealing is a crucial step for many youths who want a fresh start after their involvement with the juvenile justice system.
When Records Can’t Be Sealed
Not all juvenile records are eligible for sealing. Maryland excludes some offenses, especially serious crimes like violent felonies, from being sealed. Also, if the juvenile has a pattern of offenses, sealing may be denied.
Additionally, records involving ongoing investigations or certain government interests might remain accessible.
Understanding these limits helps manage expectations and identify other possible options, such as expungement or record modification.
Alternatives to Sealing Juvenile Records
If sealing isn’t an option, there may be other ways to handle juvenile records. Some alternatives include:
Expungement: A more thorough removal of records from all official files.
Record correction: Fixing inaccurate or outdated information in records.
Confidentiality agreements: Legal agreements limiting who can see certain records.
These options vary in availability and requirements, but can still help reduce the negative impact of juvenile records.
What Families Should Do Next
Families facing juvenile records have several steps to consider. First, review the child’s record carefully. Then, research the eligibility criteria for sealing or other remedies. Filing as soon as possible after eligibility is met helps avoid problems down the line.
Gathering strong supporting documentation, like school records or letters from counselors, can improve the chances of sealing success. Also, stay aware of deadlines and court requirements.
Taking these measures early can protect a child’s future and offer peace of mind.
Reach Out Today
If your child has juvenile records, sealing them can significantly affect their future opportunities. You don’t have to face the process alone. If you are in Riverdale Park, Maryland, or anywhere in the state or the nation, our attorney can assist with reviewing eligibility, preparing petitions, and representing you in court. Schedule a consultation with us at Advocates for the Voiceless now.
