Florida Expungements
Juvenile Expungements

Juveniles charged with a qualifying offense that have successfully completed a diversion program can request that criminal arrest history be expunged. 943.0582

A Juvenile may request an arrest history be expunged if he/she meets certain criteria.  The case must have been resolved by successful completion of a diversion program that expressly authorizes this type of expungement*.  The request application must be filed within 6 months of the completion date of the diversion program.  This does not count towards a section 943.0585 or section 943.059 sealing or expungement.

Fees on a case by case basis (part of legal fee if hired to represent juvenile for criminal case).

Retention of Criminal History Records of Minors

Juveniles that have been classified as serious or habitual juvenile offenders or committed to a juvenile correctional facility or juvenile prison will have their criminal history maintained until their 26th birthday.  All other juveniles will have their criminal history record maintained until their 24th birthday.

If, before age 18, the juvenile is adjudicated as an adult for - or, after age 18, the juvenile commits a forcible felony, then the juvenile record is permanently merged with his/her adult record.

This information is from section 943.0515, Florida Statutes (2002).  If you are over the age of 26 and your background check still reflects your juvenile arrests you may need to seal or expunge your record or have the Florida Department of Law Enforcement correct your record.

*It is always important to have competent counsel representing a juvenile in order to ensure the availability of such relief.