It is important for juvenile records to be sealed whenever possible. Having a juvenile record, even a minor one, can limit a young adult’s employment opportunities and housing choices.

Automatic Sealing

Juvenile courts can seal juvenile records for a minor offense if the young adult meets certain criteria. For a full list of criteria, see Sealing Juvenile Records for Minor Offenses in the Juvenile Justice Resource GuidePDF Document.

The young adult is not eligible for automatic sealing until he or she turns the following age:

• 18 years old, if he or she has committed conduct indicating a need for supervision.
• 19 years old, if he or she has committed delinquent conduct.

For definitions of conduct indicating a need for supervision and delinquent conduct, see 6820 CPS Youth and Municipal or County Courts and the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems.

The young adult does not have to file a motion or have a hearing to request that the court seal the qualifying juvenile records. The court receives notice through the juvenile probation office that such records are eligible for sealing, and the court issues an order sealing the records.

Texas Family Code §58.253External Link

Texas Family Code §58.255External Link