Do juvenile records “go away” when a child turns 18, and can these records be sealed?
Chapter 58 of the Texas Family Code orders that juvenile records be kept confidential. These records may be kept for the use of law enforcement officials and will be used against the child if he/she continues to get in trouble, but they will not be accessible through public background checks (such as for credit or job applications). Some offenses must also be reported to the child’s school for the protection of other students. Juvenile records can be sealed. Through an attorney, a juvenile may petition the court to have this happen. Please consult an attorney about your specific case and whether your child’s records can be sealed.
