Overview Description

Records relating to a juvenile charged with a criminal offense prior to July 1, 2006, can be sealed by the court two years after the charge is dismissed. 33 V.S.A. § 5119(h)(2).

There is no statutory language regarding ineligible offenses.

The petition must be filed in court. For the specific procedure, see 33 V.S.A. § 5119(h)(2).

$90. Part or all of the fee can be waived if the court finds that the person is unable to pay it. 32 V.S.A. § 1431(e),(h).

The files and court records are sealed. 33 V.S.A. § 5119(h)(2).

Upon the court's order to seal the record, the proceedings will be considered never to have occurred, all general index references thereto will be deleted, and the person, the court, and law enforcement officers and departments will reply to any request for information that no record exists with respect to such person upon inquiry in any matter. 33 V.S.A. § 5119(e)(1).

The sealed records can be unsealed or viewed in some limited circumstances. 33 V.S.A. § 5119(e)(2), (f)(2)-(6).

The petition can be filed two years after the charge is dismissed.