Can a Connecticut Juvenile Record Be Sealed or Expunged?

 Posted on June 25, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

Teenagers often make impulsive decisions, engaging in risk-taking behaviors with little consideration of the potential consequences. Research has shown that the frontal brain lobe, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, consequential thinking, and sensation-seeking, is not completely developed until the early to mid-20s. Those between the ages of 12 and 17 are more likely to make impulsive choices and engage in risky behaviors, but should those poor decisions follow them for life?

In Connecticut, a juvenile criminal offense does not have to follow a young person for life, as the law offers certain protections for juveniles with criminal records. Perhaps your child was in the wrong place at the wrong time or made a poor decision, and you are wondering whether that record can be sealed or expunged. In some instances, there are legal processes that can erase a juvenile record. This is a complex issue that could significantly benefit from the guidance of an experienced Stamford, CT juvenile criminal defense attorney.  

The Differences Between Sealing and Expunging a Juvenile Criminal Record

Juvenile expungement in Connecticut is known as "erasure." Juvenile records are generally sealed because the proceedings themselves are confidential. While some juvenile records are automatically erased, a juvenile may have to actively seek to have his or her juvenile delinquency records erased in order to have a clean criminal record.

Which Juvenile Records Are Automatically Erased?

If a juvenile case was dismissed as not delinquent, the court will order the police and court records related to the charges to be immediately erased under CGS Section 46b – 146. The law also requires automatic erasure of police and juvenile court records 13 months after a prosecutor declines to prosecute a case or a delinquency count is dismissed without prejudice.  

The Process for Requesting Juvenile Erasure of Records

The juvenile, his or her parent or guardian, or their attorney may file a petition with the court after the child has been discharged from court-ordered custody or court supervision to have the records erased if:

• The juvenile is at least 18, and at least two years have passed since he or she was discharged.
• The juvenile is at least 18, and four years have elapsed following the conviction of a crime designated as a serious juvenile criminal offense.
• There is no current juvenile or adult criminal proceeding pending against the juvenile.
• The juvenile has not been convicted of another act during the two to four-year period that would have constituted a felony or misdemeanor if committed by an adult.
• The juvenile has not been convicted as an adult of a felony or misdemeanor during that period.

If the juvenile is not currently between the ages of 18 and 24, a request for the juvenile record must be made. A copy of the juvenile record and the form Erasure of Record, Petition/Order must be submitted to the juvenile court closest to where the incident occurred. When the court enters an erasure order, all references to the court's involvement must be removed from all files.

Copies of the erasure order is then sent to all relevant agencies, institutions, officials, and individuals who have access to the information. Failing to have a juvenile record expunged can have an adverse impact on college admissions, employment, and housing for many years to come.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Navigating the erasure of juvenile criminal records is a complex process that requires an experienced Stamford, CT juvenile defense attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Gathering all the documentation and filing the proper paperwork will ensure your child’s rights are protected every step of the way. Acting promptly, in conjunction with a knowledgeable juvenile defense attorney, can give your child a fresh start as he or she moves forward from a challenging time. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.