Overview Description

Records of a juvenile adjudication must be physically sealed on the youth's 18th birthday, so long as the person is not subject to a disqualifying event. Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-216(1).

The following cannot be sealed: (1) youth traffic records, (2) records in any case in which the youth did not fulfill all requirements of the court's judgment or disposition, and (3) information pertaining to a youth that was required to register as a sexual offender. For a complete list of records excluded from sealing, see Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-216(4).

The procedure is automatic.

There is no statutory language regarding fees.

Formal and informal youth court records, law enforcement records, and department records are subject to sealing. Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-216(1).

A sealed record must be made unavailable for access by any person unless upon court order. Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-220.

The record will be sealed on the youth's 18th birthday. Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-216(1).