What is required for juvenile records to be sealed from the public?

To seal juvenile records from the public, obtaining a court order is essential. This legal process ensures that a judge reviews the specifics of the case and determines whether sealing the records is appropriate. By securing a court order, it provides an official and enforceable means of protecting the privacy of the juvenile involved and prevents the records from being accessible by the general public.

While other factors such as a waiting period or having a clean record may influence the likelihood of a court granting the request, the fundamental requirement is the existence of a formal order issued by the court specifically directing that the juvenile records be sealed. Payment of a fee may not always be relevant in this context, as many jurisdictions have different practices regarding costs associated with sealing records. Thus, while these considerations may play a role in the process, the necessity of a court order is the key requirement for successfully sealing juvenile records.