Crime & Traffic

Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.

The Big Picture

If you were arrested or had police contact before your 18th birthday, you likely have a record. You could qualify to expunge it. You must know the date of arrest, the charge, and the outcome of…

Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.

Take action

You don't have to tell employers about your juvenile record. It is illegal for an employer to deny you a job based on your juvenile record.

On job applications, employers must tell job-seekers their rights. One right is that you don't have to answer questions about juvenile records. If you're asked about an expunged record, you may respond like the events never happened.

Employers who don't tell you your rights could be fined if:

• They ask about expunged records,
• They wrongfully get a copy of juvenile criminal records, or if
• Any person or agency provides the information.

An agency can't deny you a work license because of your juvenile record. The rules for reporting a juvenile record are different from adult records.

Since 2010, adult prosecutions begin at 18 years of age. Depending on your age when you were arrested, you may have either an adult or a juvenile record.

Who can see my juvenile record after it is expunged?

When your record is expunged, the physical copies of your record are destroyed. Also, your name is removed from any index. Certain agencies can view your file, if you apply to work for them, including:

• Law enforcement agencies
• The Department of Corrections
• The military

The State's Attorney and other prosecutors can review your juvenile record if you are charged with a new crime. Expungement does not require the physical destruction of internal office files, records, or databases maintained by the State’s Attorney or other prosecutors.

Law enforcement agencies cannot see your expunged record unless you’re applying to work for them.

Your employer will be able to see some juvenile records, if they need an FBI background check. If you have a record from before 2010, it may show up on an FBI background check, even if it was expunged. Giving your employer a photocopy of your expungement order should work.