Sometimes, juvenile defendants benefit from special statutes intended to protect them from permanent consequences. The juvenile justice system in Oregon prioritizes services and rehabilitation above mere punishment. Young adults accused of crimes can often avoid the criminal penalties imposed on adults. However, they may worry about the impact of their juvenile criminal records as they move on with their lives.
Oregon’s laws have recently shifted to make automatic expungement accessible to more juvenile offenders. When is expungement automatic?
When the issue never led to prosecution
In some cases, complaints against juvenile defendants never actually result in charges or a conviction. Police officers could take the young adult into state custody, but the eventual determination may be that the incident is not within the jurisdiction of the courts. If there is no adjudication, then automatic expungement can occur when the teen arrested turns 18.
When the offense was a misdemeanor
Expanded expungement laws now allow for the automatic sealing of certain misdemeanor juvenile convictions. Young adults accused of minor crimes, such as a single shoplifting incident, are theoretically eligible for automatic sealing when the convicted juvenile becomes an adult, provided that they meet certain requirements. Automatic sealing may also be available in cases where the courts received a petition but dismissed the case.
Young adults hoping to move on from mistakes or misunderstandings that had criminal implications may need assistance if a formal petition for expungement is necessary due to the allegations previously brought against them. Working with a criminal defense attorney can help juvenile defendants and their parents navigate the often confusing expungement process.