Juvenile Record Expungement
Douglas And Arapahoe County Attorneys Explain The Difference Between Sealing And Expungement Of Records
In Douglas and Arapahoe County, Colorado, the legal system calls juvenile crime convictions “adjudications.” This difference from adult “convictions” results from the law’s desire to treat juvenile law violations less seriously than those of adults. As a result, juvenile criminal cases are easier to “expunge”, than adult cases are to “seal”. Essentially, juveniles/kids are given a break so that employers and the public do not normally see adjudications for crimes, unless the crime is really serious like sexual assault on a child or those crimes involving a firearm. This is seen as giving kids a chance to learn from their past and then be free of it. Having a case expunged of police records can greatly increase the chances of a good life for you or your child. Read more on Lawyer Expungement of Juvenile Records.
When Can Cases Be Expunged In Jefferson County Colorado?
Juvenile crimes and charges can be expunged quickly upon 1) a “not guilty” verdict at a juvenile trial (called an adjudicatory trial); dismissal of the petition/charges against a child; or the successful completion of a diversion program, a deferred adjudication sentence or an informal adjustment program. Some cases can never be expunged, and those include: 1) aggravated juvenile offenders, 2) kids designated as violent juvenile offenders, 3) direct filing cases to the district court, 4) those with charges involving unlawful sexual behavior, and 5) all where restitution has not yet been paid to a victim.
Lawyers Can Usually Expunge A Child’s Record In Adams County, But Not Always
The classes of crimes where juvenile expungement is permitted are not absolute. This means that a court or district attorney in Adams County or Brighton can still object and prevent the expungement of court records if special circumstances exist. In some violent and sex cases, it is critical that your lawyer try and get a plea to a crime where your child can expunge their record. Criminal records and arrest records for children can prejudice their chances of a normal life. Of course, in really serious cases the law prevents expunging a case and there is nothing a criminal defense lawyer, judge or DA can do to prevent this.
Why Expunge Your Or A Child’s Denver County Juvenile Record?
Landlords, employers, and the public in Denver County harshly view people with a criminal record. Don’t let a background check prejudice your future. Sealing (for adults) and expungement (for teenagers) offers an excellent chance to cover the past and move forward. While our state’s rules on expunging arrest and court records can be complicated, in the majority of cases an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be successful and give you or your child a second chance. Don’t let teenage mistakes affect your future. Life is hard enough as it is.
When you want to take advantage of Colorado’s juvenile laws which permit the expungement of a misdemeanor crime or felony criminal record, contact the best juvenile record sealing attorneys at 303-731-0719. We want to help. Together, we can protect your child’s future.
