Sealing Juvenile Court Records in Washington State

Sealing Juvenile Court Records

in Washington State

Forms and Instructions

April 2011

Prepared by

Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington

(Adapted from the “Sealing Juvenile Court Records in Washington State,

Forms and Instructions” October 2004, by Columbia Legal Services and

“Sealing Juvenile Offender Court Records in Yakima County, Washington”

July 2008 by TeamChild)

SEALING JUVENILE COURT RECORDS

Updated April 2011

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 3

Legal Requirements for Sealing Juvenile Offender Records.............................................. 4

The Process: How to Seal Your Juvenile Offender Record............................................... 5

Completing The Paperwork................................................................................................ 8

1. Motion and Declaration to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender..........................8

2. Order on Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender.......................................9

3. Notice of Respondent’s Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile

Offender........................................................................................................................9

ONCE YOUR RECORDS ARE SEALED....................................................................... 10

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENSES ............................................................................... 11

APPENDIX

A. Sample

Letters………………………………………………………………………...17

B. County Specific

Resources…………………………………………………………....19

FORMS

(a) Motion and Declaration to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

(b) Order on Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

This publication provides general information concerning your rights and

responsibilities. It’s not intended as a substitute for specific legal advice. This

information is current as of the date of its printing, April, 2011.

INTRODUCTION

Please Note: This packet provides information regarding juvenile court records

ONLY. The following information DOES NOT APPLY to adult criminal records.

In Washington, juvenile court records don’t automatically disappear when you

turn 18. In fact, almost all your juvenile records remain open for the public to view,

unless you ask a court to “seal” them. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible

to have your record sealed. Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including the

seriousness of the juvenile offense, the amount of time that has passed since your most

recent conviction, and the existence of any pending criminal matters. (See “Statutory

Requirements” for details on eligibility.) If you’re eligible, you must file a motion with

the court to have your record sealed.

If you’ve been involved with the juvenile justice system, you have a juvenile

court record. The juvenile court record has three components: the official juvenile court

file, the social file, and records of other juvenile justice or care agencies involved in the

case. The official juvenile court file contains petitions, motions, memoranda, briefs,

findings of the court, and court orders. The social file contains the records and reports of

probation counselors. The official juvenile court file is open for public inspection until

sealed or expunged, but the other juvenile court records are confidential.

In addition to a juvenile court record, you have criminal history record

information (CHRI) on file with the Washington State Patrol. CHRI includes information

on arrests, detentions, indictments, and other formal criminal charges, as well as any

disposition arising from them, such as sentences, correctional supervision, and release. It

also includes identifying information, such as name, birth date, address, physical

description, and fingerprints. An employer, creditor, or landlord requesting CHRI may

only receive information on:

• Convictions;

• Arrests within the previous year which have not reached disposition; and

• Registered sex offenders or kidnappers.

In addition to CHRI, you may also have arrest and incident reports on file with a

local law enforcement agency (example: the police department that arrested you).

Sealed records are protected from public examination, but they don’t cease to

exist. Records may be re-opened for public examination if you’re convicted of a juvenile

offense or adult crime, or if you are charged with a felony. Expunged or destroyed

records, on the other hand, can never be re-opened. Your record may be destroyed if you

only have referrals for diversion, and you meet other statutory requirements. Having your

record destroyed involves a different process that this packet doesn’t address.

Legal Requirements for Sealing Juvenile Offender Records

The juvenile court can order the sealing of your juvenile offender court record

only if you meet certain legal requirements. If you answer “No” to all of the questions

listed below, and if you follow the correct procedures, the juvenile court can order the

sealing of your record.

You are eligible if you can answer “NO” to these questions…

Do you have any criminal charges pending in the juvenile or adult court?

Is there any pending proceeding seeking a diversion agreement with you?

Is the charge classified as a sex offense?

Do you still owe any court-ordered fines, restitution, or fees for the records you want to seal?

If you’re trying to seal records of a deferred disposition, there’s no mandatory waiting period

after you turn 18. Are you under the age of 18?

If your charge is classified as a class A felony:

a) Have less than 5 years passed since the date of your disposition (when you were

sentenced), or the day that you were released from confinement (JRA or the detention center)

or from a full-time residential treatment program, whichever’s later?

b) Have you been convicted of any offenses/crimes within the last 5 years?

If your charge is classified as a class B felony:

a) Have less than 2 years passed since the date of your disposition (when you were

sentenced), or the day that you were released from confinement (JRA or the detention center)

or from a full-time residential treatment program, whichever’s later?

b) Have you been convicted of any offenses/crimes within the last 2 years?

If your charge is classified as a class C felony:

a) Have less than 2 years passed since the date of your disposition (when you were

sentenced), or the day that you were released from confinement (JRA or the detention center)

or from a full-time residential treatment program, whichever’s later?

b) Have you been convicted of any offenses/crimes within the last 2 years?

If your charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor:

a) Have less than 2 years passed since the date of your disposition (when you were

sentenced), or the day that you were released from confinement (JRA or the detention center)

or from a full-time residential treatment program, whichever’s later?

b) Have you been convicted of any offenses/crimes within the last 2 years?

If you’re trying to seal records of a diversion agreement:

a) Have less than 2 years passed since completion of the diversion agreement OR your

release from confinement (including full-time residential treatment)

b) Have you been convicted of any offenses/crimes within the last 2 years?

Refer to pages 12-17 to determine how your charge(s) is/are classified

Yes No

The Process: How to Seal Your Juvenile Offender Record

1. Criminal history.

Get a complete record of your criminal history. The Clerk’s Office or Juvenile Court can

provide you with a copy of your criminal history. That record should include all of the

criminal cases filed against you in juvenile court, including those cases that were

dismissed. You should also ask for a copy of the financial history for each of those cases.

The financial history will show amounts of any fines, fees and or restitution imposed by

the court, and whether any money is still owed.

If you were involved with Juvenile Court in more than one county, make sure to ask the

Clerk’s Office to assist you in identifying which county each case is associated with.

2. Determine whether or not you meet the legal sealing requirements.

Look through your criminal and financial history and review the legal requirements on

page 4.

3. Fill out the Motion and Declaration to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12).

If you believe that you meet the legal sealing requirements, the next step is to complete

and file in the juvenile court the forms attached to this packet.

Fill out the form entitled Motion and Declaration to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12). This document, called a motion, is your

request to the juvenile court for your juvenile offender record to be sealed. The

instructions for filling out this form are on page 8. You must fill out a Motion for each

case that you want to seal, even cases that were dismissed.

4. Schedule a hearing.

In most counties, you must have a hearing at the juvenile court during which a judge or

court commissioner will decide whether or not to grant your sealing request. You don’t

need an attorney to represent you at this hearing, but you’ll have to appear before a

juvenile court judge or commissioner.

To set a hearing date, talk with the juvenile court clerk about an available hearing date

and time. It may best to do that in person. Ask the clerk to set the hearing date for at least

two to four weeks from the time that you ask for it.

5. Fill out the Notice of Respondent’s Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile

Offender.

Once you have a hearing date, complete the Notice of Respondent’s Motion to Seal

Records of Juvenile Offender for each case for which you have filled out a Motion, - for

each case that you want to seal. Page 8 has instructions about how to complete the

Notice form.

You’re required to notify each agency that has records relating to your offender case(s)

that you’re asking the juvenile court to seal those records and when and where the court

hearing to decide your request is taking place. These agencies include the juvenile

prosecutor, juvenile probation department, county sheriff, local police departments, and

the Washington State Patrol. Presuming that you meet all sealing requirements, the

agencies shouldn’t contest your request.

6. Make copies and file documents.

Make a copy of the completed Motion and a copy of the completed Notice for each case

that you’re trying to seal. When you file the original documents with the juvenile court

clerk, ask the clerk to date stamp each of your copies. That stamp proves when you filed

the original documents. The clerk will keep your original documents.

Determine how many copies you need based on Step 7 below. Make that number of

copies of your date stamped set of documents.

7. Deliver or Mail the Motion(s) and Notice(s).

Court rules require that after you file your Motion(s) for sealing, you must deliver and/or

mail the Motion(s) and Notice(s) to the juvenile court prosecutor, the juvenile court

administrator, and the law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol

(WSP), that have records of your case(s) that you’re asking to have sealed.

Deliver a date stamped copy of each Motion and Notice for each case to the juvenile

court prosecutor and the court administrator/juvenile probation department. You can do

that right after you file the original documents with the clerk. It’s usually okay to leave

the date stamped copies with the office staff.

Mail a date stamped copy of the Motion and Notice filed in each case to the Washington

State Patrol, Records Division,

PO Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504. If you spent time

in a JRA facility (Green Hill, Maple Lane, Echo Glen, Neselle, or Camp Outlook) for any

of the cases that you’re trying to seal, you must mail the documents to: Records

Coordinator, Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, DSHS, P.O. Box 45045, Olympia,

WA 98504. And, mail or deliver the Motion and Notice to any other law enforcement

agencies that were involved with the case(s) that you’re trying to seal.

If you mail the documents, send a cover letter. Use the sample letter in Appendix A,

including your personal information. Make sure to sign and date the letter, and make and

keep a copy of each letter that you send.

If you can afford it, if you send the documents, do so by certified mail. If you do that, the

post office will send you a postcard notice indicating when your mail was delivered. The

cost for sending certified mail is about $6.00-$10.00.

8. Fill out the Order on Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender Pursuant

to RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12).

Before the hearing, fill out an Order on Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12), attached to this packet, for each case that

you’re asking to have sealed. Follow the instructions on page 8. Be sure to bring the

Order with you to the hearing.

9. Attend your court hearing.

The hearing will take place in front of a judge or commissioner at Juvenile Court. Dress

nicely. Make sure to arrive to the hearing on time. At the hearing you should be polite,

address the judge or commissioner as “your honor,” and answer questions honestly and

clearly. Don’t interrupt the judge or other courtroom staff or the prosecutor if s/he’s

talking. Follow the courtroom rules: you must not eat or drink; you must turn off all cell

phones; and you must take off your hat.

Before the hearing, you should have with you all sets of copies of the Motion(s) and

Notice(s) that you filed, your copy of the Certificate of Service, and the Order that you

filled out for each case.

10. After the hearing, obtain certified copies of the court orders.

If the Court approves your Motion(s) and signs your Order(s), you’ll need at least two

certified copies of the Order(s). The court clerk makes certified copies of court

documents. You’ll be charged approximately $6.00 for one certified copy of an Order.

11. Mail a copy of the certified order to every agency involved.

Mail the certified copy(ies) of the Order(s) to each law enforcement agency, the

Washington State Patrol (WSP), and the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA), if

applicable, to whom you sent the sealing Motion(s). Send a cover letter with the

Order(s). You can use the sample letter in Appendix A, including your personal

information. Sign and date the letter. Make and keep a copy of each letter that you send.

12. What if your Motion is Denied

If the Court denies your sealing Motion(s) and you believe that you met all of the legal

requirements, consider talking to an attorney for advice about what to do next. If you

don’t have the money to pay for an attorney’s fees, call CLEAR, a legal service that

offers free legal advice and referral, at 1-888-201-1014.

Completing The Paperwork

1. Motion and Declaration to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Heading

1. In the box at the top left corner, write the name of the county where the juvenile

offense you’re trying to seal occurred on the line above “JUVENILE COURT.”

2. Below that, write your name underneath “STATE OF WASHINGTON v.”

3. Below that, write your birth date next to “D.O.B.:”.

4. At the top right corner, write the case number of the offense you’re trying to seal

next to “NO:”.

I. Motion

1. Check RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12) where it says “This motion is based on…”

2. Write the date on the line next to “Dated:”.

3. Sign your name on the line above “Pro Se Respondent (Sign Name).”

4. Write your name on the line above “Print Name.”

II. Declaration of Respondent

1. Write your name on the line next to “I,”.

2. Write the date of the offense and name of the offense you’re trying to seal.

3. If the offense you’re trying to seal is a felony, check 2.2. Write the number of

consecutive years you’ve spent in the community without committing an offense

or crime resulting in conviction. If it’s a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor,

check 2.3. Then write the number of consecutive years you’ve spent in the

community without committing an offense or crime resulting in conviction. If it’s

a diversion, check 2.4. If you’re unsure, see “Classification of Felonies and

Misdemeanors.”

4. Write the date on the line next to “Signed on,” followed by the city you’re in.

5. Below that, sign your name; print your name. Write your address.

2. Order on Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Heading: Fill out this section the same way on each form. See instructions under

document (a).

Body

1. Check RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12) after “This matter came on before the court

on respondent’s motion to seal records of juvenile offender pursuant to…”

2. Check the first 2.1 box to indicate that you gave notice to the appropriate parties.

3. Check the 2.2 box to indicate that compelling privacy or safety concerns haven’t

been found.

4. Check that you’ve satisfied the requirements of RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12).

5. Check the box next to “The court grants the motion to seal  vacated deferred

disposition records pursuant to RCW 13.40.127(10),  juvenile court records

pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) to (16)…”.

6. Sign your name on the line above “Pro Se Respondent (sign name).”

7. Write your name on the line above “Print name.”

3. Notice of Respondent’s Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Heading: Fill out this section the same way on each form. See instructions under

document (a).

Body

1. Write the name of the county in which the juvenile offense you are trying to seal

occurred on each of the three lines before “County Superior Court Clerk’s

Office,” “County Prosecutor, Juvenile Division,” and “County Juvenile Court

Administrator.”

2. Below that, write the name of the city or county police department or sheriff’s

office which handled the offense.

3. Below that, write the name of anyone else you think needs notice of your motion.

4. Below that, write the date of the hearing, the time of the hearing, the county, and

your name.

5. At the end of the document, write the date. Sign your name, and print your name

underneath.

ONCE YOUR RECORDS ARE SEALED

• Your offense and the proceedings in the case are treated as if they never occurred.

• You may say no to having committed the offense on any job, housing, or other

application.

• Any agency receiving a request for your record must reply that the record is

confidential, and the agency may not give out any information about its existence or

nonexistence.

• Your fingerprints and any other identifying information kept by the Washington State

Patrol are not sealed.

• Your record will be unsealed if you’re subsequently convicted of a juvenile offense or

adult crime, or if you’re charged with an adult felony.

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENSES

Juvenile offenses are ranked under RCW 13.40.0357 from A+ through E. The rankings

correspond to adult crime categories: Offense category A equals class A felony; offense

category B equals class B felony; offense category C equals class C felony; offense

category D equals gross misdemeanor; and offense category E equals misdemeanor.

Felonies are generally more serious than misdemeanors.

OFFENSE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION (RCW

CITATION)

CATEGORY FOR

ATTEMPT, BAILJUMP,

CONSPIRACY, OR

SOLICITATION

Arson and Malicious Mischief

A Arson 1 (9A.48.020) B+

B Arson 2 (9A.48.030) C

C Reckless Burning 1 (9A.48.040) D

D Reckless Burning 2 (9A.48.050) E

B Malicious Mischief 1 (9A.48.070) C

C Malicious Mischief 2 (9A.48.080) D

D Malicious Mischief 3 (9A.48.090(2)

(a) and (c))

E Malicious Mischief 3

(9A.48.090(2)(b))

E Tampering with Fire Alarm

Apparatus (9.40.100)

E Tampering with Fire Alarm

Apparatus with Intent to Commit

Arson (9.40.105)

A Possession of Incendiary Device

(9.40.120)

B+

Assault and Other Crimes Involving Physical Harm

A Assault 1 (9A.36.011) B+

B+ Assault 2 (9A.36.021) C+

C+ Assault 3 (9A.36.031) D+

D+ Assault 4 (9A.36.041) E

B+ Drive-By Shooting (9A.36.045) C+

D+ Reckless Endangerment (9A.36.050)

C+ Promoting Suicide Attempt

(9A.36.060)

D+

D+ Coercion (9A.36.070) E

C+ Custodial Assault (9A.36.100) D+

Burglary and Trespass

B+ Burglary 1 (9A.52.020) C+

B Residential Burglary (9A.52.025) C

B Burglary 2 (9A.52.030) C

D Burglary Tools (Possession of)

(9A.52.060)

D Criminal Trespass 1 (9A.52.070) E

E Criminal Trespass 2 (9A.52.080) E

C Mineral Trespass (78.44.330) C

C Vehicle Prowling 1 (9A.52.095) D

D Vehicle Prowling 2 (9A.52.100) E

Drugs

E Possession/Consumption of Alcohol

(66.44.270)

C Illegally Obtaining Legend Drug

(69.41.020)

C+

Sale, Delivery, Possession of Legend

Drug with Intent to Sell

(69.41.030(2)(a))

D+

E Possession of Legend Drug

(69.41.030(2)(b))

B+ Violation of Uniform Controlled

Substances Act - Narcotic,

Methamphetamine, or Flunitrazepam

Sale (69.50.401(2) (a) or (b))

B+

C Violation of Uniform Controlled

Substances Act – Non-narcotic Sale

(69.50.401(2)(c))

E Possession of Marihuana <40 grams

(69.50.4014)

C Fraudulently Obtaining Controlled

Substance (69.50.403)

C+ Sale of Controlled Substance for

Profit (69.50.410)

C+

E Unlawful Inhalation (9.47A.020) E

B Violation of Uniform Controlled

Substances Act - Narcotic,

Methamphetamine, or Flunitrazepam

Counterfeit Substances

(69.50.4011(2) (a) or (b))

C Violation of Uniform Controlled

Substances Act - Nonnarcotic

Counterfeit Substances

(69.50.4011(2) (c), (d), or (e))

C Violation of Uniform Controlled

Substances Act - Possession of a

Controlled Substance (69.50.4013)

C Violation of Uniform Controlled

Substances Act - Possession of a

Controlled Substance (69.50.4012)

Firearms and Weapons

B Theft of Firearm (9A.56.300) C

B Possession of Stolen Firearm

(9A.56.310)

E Carrying Loaded Pistol Without

Permit (9.41.050)

C Possession of Firearms by Minor

(<18) (9.41.040(2)(a)(iii))

D+ Possession of Dangerous Weapon

(9.41.250)

D Intimidating Another Person by use

of Weapon (9.41.270)

Homicide

A+ Murder 1 (9A.32.030) A

A+ Murder 2 (9A.32.050) B+

B+ Manslaughter 1 (9A.32.060) C+

C+ Manslaughter 2 (9A.32.070) D+

B+ Vehicular Homicide (46.61.520) C+

Kidnapping

A Kidnap 1 (9A.40.020) B+

B+ Kidnap 2 (9A.40.030) C+

C+ Unlawful Imprisonment (9A.40.040)

D+

Obstructing Governmental Operation

D Obstructing a Law Enforcement

Officer (9A.76.020)

E Resisting Arrest (9A.76.040) E

B Introducing Contraband 1

(9A.76.140)

C Introducing Contraband 2

(9A.76.150)

E Introducing Contraband 3

(9A.76.160)

B+ Intimidating a Public Servant

(9A.76.180)

C+

B+ Intimidating a Witness (9A.72.110) C+

Public Disturbance

C+ Riot with Weapon (9A.84.010(2)(b))

D+

D+ Riot Without Weapon

(9A.84.010(2)(a))

E Failure to Disperse (9A.84.020) E

E Disorderly Conduct (9A.84.030) E

Sex Crimes

A Rape 1 (9A.44.040) B+

A- Rape 2 (9A.44.050) B+

C+ Rape 3 (9A.44.060) D+

A- Rape of a Child 1 (9A.44.073) B+

B+ Rape of a Child 2 (9A.44.076) C+

B Incest 1 (9A.64.020(1)) C

C Incest 2 (9A.64.020(2)) D

D+ Indecent Exposure (Victim <14)

(9A.88.010)

E Indecent Exposure (Victim 14 or

over) (9A.88.010)

B+ Promoting Prostitution 1

(9A.88.070)

C+

C+ Promoting Prostitution 2

(9A.88.080)

D+

B+ Indecent Liberties (9A.44.100) C+

A- Child Molestation 1 (9A.44.083) B+

B Child Molestation 2 (9A.44.086) C+

Theft, Robbery, Extortion, and Forgery

B Theft 1 (9A.56.030) C

C Theft 2 (9A.56.040) D

D Theft 3 (9A.56.050) E

B Theft of Livestock 1 and 2

(9A.56.080 and 9A.56.083)

C Forgery (9A.60.020) D

A Robbery 1 (9A.56.200) B+

B+ Robbery 2 (9A.56.210) C+

B+ Extortion 1 (9A.56.120) C+

C+ Extortion 2 (9A.56.130) D+

C Identity Theft 1 (9.35.020(2)) D

D Identity Theft 2 (9.35.020(3)) E

D Improperly Obtaining Financial

Information (9.35.010)

B Possession of Stolen Property 1

(9A.56.150)

C Possession of Stolen Property 2

(9A.56.160)

D Possession of Stolen Property 3

(9A.56.170)

C Taking Motor Vehicle Without

Permission 1 and 2 (9A.56.070 and

9A.56.075)

Motor Vehicle Related Crimes

E Driving Without a License

(46.20.005)

B+ Hit and Run - Death C+

(46.52.020(4)(a))

C Hit and Run - Injury

(46.52.020(4)(b))

D Hit and Run-Attended

(46.52.020(5))

E Hit and Run-Unattended (46.52.010)

C Vehicular Assault (46.61.522) D

C Attempting to Elude Pursuing Police

Vehicle (46.61.024)

E Reckless Driving (46.61.500) E

D Driving While Under the Influence

(46.61.502 and 46.61.504)

Other

B Animal Cruelty 1 (16.52.205) C

B Bomb Threat (9.61.160) C

C Escape 1 (9A.76.110) C

C Escape 2 (9A.76.120) C

D Escape 3 (9A.76.130) E

E Obscene, Harassing, Etc., Phone

Calls (9.61.230)

A Other Offense Equivalent to an

Adult Class A Felony

B+

B Other Offense Equivalent to an

Adult Class B Felony

C Other Offense Equivalent to an

Adult Class C Felony

D Other Offense Equivalent to an

Adult Gross Misdemeanor

E Other Offense Equivalent to an

Adult Misdemeanor

V Violation of Order of Restitution,

Community Supervision, or

Confinement (13.40.200)

APPENDIX A

(Write the date here)

Washington State Patrol

Records Division

P.O. Box 42633

Olympia, WA 98504

RE: Motion to Seal Juvenile Records- (write your name here) No: (write your case

numbers here)

Enclosed please find a copy of Notice and Motion to Seal Records of Juvenile Offender

Pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12) in the above referenced matters. The motion to

seal is set for (write the date here) at (write the county here) Superior Court, Juvenile

Division.

Sincerely,

Your signature here

(Print your name and address here)

Sample Letter to Law Enforcement, Juvenile Rehabilitation

Administration (JRA), and/or, Washington State Patrol (WSP)

Motion and Notice of Hearing

(Write the date here)

Washington State Patrol

Records Division

P.O. Box 42633

Olympia, WA 98504

RE: Motion to Seal Juvenile Records

Enclosed please find a copy of (write your name here)’s Orders on Motion to Seal Records of

Juvenile Offender Pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12). Pursuant to this order, RCW

13.50.050(14) requires any agency in possession of sealed records keep the content of the

records, as well as their existence or nonexistence, confidential.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions about these documents,

please telephone me at (write your telephone number or a message number here).

Sincerely,

Respectfully,

Your signature here

(Print your name and address here)

Sample Letter to Law Enforcement, Juvenile Rehabilitation

Administration (JRA), and/or, Washington State Patrol (WSP)

After Order is Signed

APPENDIX B – County-specific practices

County

Adams County Contact Adams Juvenile Court for guidance. Adams County requires that

you be 23 years of age and write a typed letter to the court stating that

you’d like their records sealed. This letter must include your name, date of

birth, address and current phone number.

For more information, contact:

Adams County Juvenile Court

425 E. Main Suite 100

Othello, WA 99344

Phone: 509-488-5646

Asotin County Asotin County follows the general process described in this Manual. The

Clerk’s office will assist you in obtaining a court date and provide you with

information regarding your cause numbers and potential fines owed.

For more information, contact:

Asotin County Clerk’s Office

135 2nd St, PO Box 159

Asotin, WA 99402-0159

Phone: 509-243-2081

Benton/Franklin

Counties

Benton and Franklin Counties follow the general process described in this

Manual. The Clerk’s office will assist you in obtaining a court date and

provide you with information regarding your cause numbers and potential

fines owed.

For more information, contact:

Benton County Clerk’s Office

7122 W Okanogan Pl, Bldg A

Kennewick, WA 99336-2359

Phone: 509-735-8388 x5

Chelan County Chelan County has a specific local sealing process which you must follow.

All forms and instructions may be purchased from the Clerk’s Office for

$5. Chelan County requires some additional documentation which is

described in their instruction packet.

For more information, contact the Clerk’s office:

350 Orondo Ave

PO Box 3025

Wenatchee, WA 98807-3025

509-667-6380

Clallam County Contact Clallam County Juvenile Court for assistance. Court staff will

check your eligibility to seal for a $20 fee. If you’re eligible, court staff

will complete the sealing process for you for an additional $80. You must

attend a court hearing. This process takes approximately three weeks to

complete. Note: Clallam County requires that you have no outstanding

restitution on any matters prior to sealing.

Juvenile and Family Services

1912 West 18th Street

Port Angeles, Washington 98363

Phone: (360) 417-2282

Clark County Clark County Juvenile Court provides full assistance with the records

sealing process. Note: This process takes approximately four months to

complete. Don’t delay in starting the process. To start the process, you

must complete two forms and return them to the Juvenile Justice Center.

The Juvenile Justice Center then reviews your motion for eligibility. If

you’re eligible, they’ll handle providing notice to the parties and will

ultimately provide you with a signed order.

More information is online at

http://www.clark.wa.gov/juvenile/sealing-destroying.htm

Or contact:

Juvenile Justice Center

500 W 11th St

PO Box 5000

Vancouver, WA 98666-5000

Phone: 360-397-2201 x2

Columbia County You must obtain a motion form from the Juvenile Justice Center. You may

fill out the form right there in the office. Staff at the Center will assist you

in obtaining your criminal history, which must be attached to your motion.

Your motion is then provided to the Prosecutor’s Office. If you’re eligible

to seal your record(s), the Prosecutor’s Office will handle the rest of the

process and assist you with obtaining a signed order. Note: you must have

paid all outstanding juvenile and adult fines prior to sealing your records.

For more information contact:

Juvenile Justice Center

455 W Rose St

PO Box 1754

Walla Walla, WA 99362-1790

Phone: 509-524-2800

Or view information online at

http://www.co.walla-walla.wa.us/

departments/jjc/SealRecords.shtml

Cowlitz County You must stop by the Juvenile Department and complete a record sealing

request form. Juvenile Department staff will complete further paperwork

for you and set a court date for you approximately six weeks out. You

must then return and sign that paperwork. Notice will be sent to all the

parties. If there’s no objection, your motion will be presented to the court

on the day of your hearing.

For more information see:

http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/juvenile/probation_services/

rec_seal_procedure.htm

Cowlitz County

Juvenile Department

1725 1st Avenue, Longview, WA 98632

Phone: 360.577.3100

Douglas County Douglas County follows the general process described in this Manual.

Forms are provided for free at Douglas County Juvenile Court in East

Wenatchee, WA. Paperwork must be filed with the Clerk’s Office in

Waterville, WA. Court hearings are held every Wednesday.

For more information contact:

Douglas County Clerk’s Office

203 S Rainier

Waterville, WA 98858-0516

Phone: 509-745-8529

Ferry/Pend

Oreille/Stevens

County

Ferry County follows the general process described in this Manual. You’re

encouraged to seek assistance from an attorney.

For more information contact:

Juvenile Court

350 E Delaware Ave, Ste 10

Republic, WA 99166-9747

Phone: 509- 775-5214

Franklin County See listing for Benton/Franklin above

Garfield County Garfield County follows the general process described in this Manual.

Staff at Juvenile Court will assist in navigating the court process. Juvenile

Court hearings are held once a month on the first Tuesday of the month.

For more information, contact:

Garfield County Juvenile Court

135 2nd St

Asotin, WA 99402

Phone: 509-243-2024

Grant County Grant County follows the general process described in this Manual.

Staff at Juvenile Court will assist in navigating the court process.

For more information, contact:

Grant County Juvenile Court

303 Abel Rd

PO Box 818

Ephrata, WA 98823-0818

Phone: 509-754-5690

Grays Harbor

County

Grays Harbor County follows the general process described in this Manual.

Note: the Grays Harbor Prosecutor files a response to every sealing

motion. If the Prosecutor disagrees with your Motion to Seal, it doesn’t

mean the motion is denied. You should still appear at your court hearing

and allow the Judge to decide whether or not to sign your Order.

For more information contact:

Grays Harbor Juvenile Court

103 Hagara St

Aberdeen, WA 98520-3198

Phone: 360-533-3919

Island County Island County follows the general process described in this Manual. You

can obtain a free packet of information at Juvenile Court.

For more information, contact:

Island County Juvenile Court

501 N Main St

PO Box 5000

Coupeville, WA 98239-5000

Phone: 360-679-7325

Jefferson County Contact Juvenile Court for assistance with the process. Court staff will

help determine whether you’re eligible to seal your records. If you’re

eligible, you’ll be sent a packet of forms to complete. Court staff will assist

you with obtaining a court date and will notify the other parties for you.

There’s a $30 filing fee for each record that you’re trying to seal. Please

contact SYLAW for assistance if you cannot afford this filing fee.

For more information, contact:

Jefferson County Juvenile Court

1820 Jefferson St

PO Box 1220

Port Townsend, WA 98368-0920

Phone: 360-385-9190

King County Follow sealing process described in this manual.

See www.sylaw.org for information on free help from the Juvenile Records

Sealing Clinics.

Kitsap County You must visit Juvenile court between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Show a copy

of your picture ID. Staff will assist you in obtaining a copy of your

criminal history. Staff will then review your criminal history with you to

determine and see if you’re eligible to seal. If it appears that you’re

eligible, you must make appointment to meet further with a staff member.

There are three staff members who meet with individuals and explain the

sealing process, and assist with completing the necessary paperwork and

give you a court date. You must then mail out notice to the parties. The

process takes approximately four weeks to complete.

For more information visit:

http://www.kitsapgov.com/juv/sealing.htm

or contact Juvenile Court directly at:

614 Division St, MS-28

Port Orchard WA 98366

Phone: 360-337-5401

Kittitas County Kittitas County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

Juvenile Court staff are unable to provide assistance with the process.

For more information, contact:

Kittitas County Juvenile Court

205 W 5th Ave, Ste 211

Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887

Phone: 509-962-7516

Klickitat County Klickitat County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

You can get a packet of information and instructions from Juvenile Court.

For more information, contact:

Klickitat County Juvenile Court

131 W Court St, MS CH-16

Goldendale, WA 98620-8932

Phone: 509-773-3355

Lewis County Lewis County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

You can get a packet of information and instructions from Juvenile Court.

Lewis County contracts with two attorneys who will handle the sealing

process for you for a negotiated price of $150.

For more information, contact:

Lewis County Juvenile Court

1255 SW Pacific Ave

Chehalis, WA 98532-4802

Phone: 360-740-1178

Lincoln County Lincoln County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

Contact juvenile court for information regarding attorneys who will assist

with the process for a reduced fee.

For more information, contact:

Lincoln County Juvenile Court

450 Logan St

PO Box 5

Davenport, WA 99122-0005

Phone: 509-725-7475

Mason County Mason County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

You can get a packet of information and instructions from Juvenile Court.

For more information, contact:

Mason County Juvenile Court

615 W Alder St

PO Box 368

Shelton, WA 98584-0368

Phone: 360-427-9670

Okanogan County Contact juvenile court for assistance. You’ll be asked to provide your

name and date of birth to staff who will review your criminal history with

you. You may choose to pay a fee of $100 for court staff to complete the

sealing process for you. You must attend a court hearing. This process

takes approximately three weeks to complete. Note: Okanogan County

requires individuals to have NO outstanding court fines on any matters

prior to sealing.

For more information, contact:

Okanogan County Juvenile Court

237 N 4th Ave

PO Box 432

Okanogan, WA 98840-0432

Phone: 509-422-7250

Pacific County You may get assistance with the process from juvenile court. Contact

juvenile court to schedule an appointment with a staff member who will

screen for eligibility. If you’re eligible for sealing, staff will complete the

sealing process for you. You must attend your court hearing. This process

takes approximately one month.

For more information, contact:

Pacific County Juvenile Court

300 Memorial Dr

PO Box 93

South Bend, WA 98586-0093

Phone: 360-875-9350

Pend Oreille

County

See Ferry County above

Pierce County Pierce County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

However, they require specific forms which are available on their website

and at the Clerk’s Office. Note: ALL outstanding fines must be paid in

order to seal records in Pierce County.

For more information, contact:

Pierce County Juvenile Court

5501 6th Ave

Tacoma, WA 98406-2603

Phone: 253-798-7900

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/juvct/abtusjuv.htm

San Juan County You may get assistance with the process from juvenile court.

For more information contact:

San Juan County Juvenile Court

350 Court St, #4

Friday Harbor, WA 98250-7901

360-378-4620

Skagit County Skagit County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

You may purchase a packet of forms and instructions for $5 from the

Clerk’s Office. Clerk’s Office staff will assist you in obtaining a copy of

your criminal history and with selecting a court date. Court hearings are

held on Tuesdays and must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks out.

Once the judge has signed your order, the Clerk’s Office will send copies to

the agencies which have your criminal records.

For more information, contact:

Skagit County Clerk’s Office

205 W Kincaid St, Rm 103

Mount Vernon, WA 98273-4225

Phone: 360-336-9440

Skamania County Contact Juvenile Court for assistance. Staff will assist you in completing

the necessary paperwork and sending out notice to the parties. If there’s no

objection to the motion to seal, the order will be signed by the judge

without a hearing. A copy of the signed order will then be sent to you for

your records.

For more information, contact:

Skamania County Juvenile Court

240 Vancouver Ave.

Stevenson, WA 98648

Phone: 509-427-3715

Snohomish County

Snohomish County generally follows the process as described in this

Manual. See www.sylaw.org for information on free help from the

Juvenile Records Sealing Clinics.

Spokane County In Spokane County, you have the option of paying a fee for the Court’s

assistance with sealing your records. If you’d like the Court’s assistance,

you must first contact the Court and request that they review your records

to determine whether you’re eligible to seal. This process takes

approximately two weeks. You’ll receive a letter stating your eligibility. If

you’re eligible, you may opt to have the Court prepare your paperwork for

a $100 fee. After payment of the $100 fee, the sealing process takes

approximately four to six weeks.

For more information see

http://www.spokanecounty.org/data/juvenile/pdf/Sealing%20and%20

Destruction%20of%20Juvenile%20Court%20Records.pdf

Or contact:

Juvenile Court

1208 W Mallon Ave

Spokane, WA 99201-2091

Phone: 509-477-2411

Stevens County See Ferry County above

Thurston County You must obtain a packet of forms and instructions from Thurston County

Juvenile Court. Staff at Thurston County Juvenile Court will assist you in

determining which agencies hold your juvenile records. Once you

complete the necessary paperwork, your motion will be provided to the

Prosecutor’s Office and then to the Judge for signature. You’ll be notified

once your Order is signed. You generally don’t need to appear for a court

hearing. All legal and court fees must be paid.

For more information, contact:

Dave Furman, Juvenile Probation

2801 32nd Ave. SW., Tumwater, WA 98501

Phone: 360-709-3150

Wahkiakum

County

Contact Juvenile Court for assistance. You’ll be asked to provide your

name, date of birth and current address. If you’re eligible to seal your

records, you’ll be sent a form to fill out and send back. Court staff will

then provide you with a court date and send out notice of the hearing to all

parties. These hearings are held only once a month. You must appear at

the hearing.

For more information, contact:

Wahkiakum County Juvenile Court

300 Memorial Ave, Fl 2

South Bend, WA 98586-0093

Phone: 360-875-9350

Walla Walla

County

You must obtain a motion form from the Walla Walla Juvenile Justice

Center. Staff at the Center will assist you in obtaining your criminal

history, which must be attached to your motion. Your motion is then

provided to the Prosecutor’s Office. If you’re eligible to seal your

record(s), the Prosecutor’s Office will handle the rest of the process and

assist you with obtaining a signed order. Note: Walla Walla County

requires that you have paid all outstanding juvenile and adult court fees and

fines prior to sealing your records.

For more information, contact:

Juvenile Justice Center

455 W Rose St

Walla Walla, WA 99362-0033

Phone: 509-524-2800

Or online at

http://www.co.walla-walla.wa.us/departments/jjc/SealRecords.shtml

Whatcom County You must contact the Whatcom Juvenile court and complete a sealing

request form. Once the request form is turned in, your records are

reviewed for eligibility. You’ll be notified of your eligibility and the next

steps to take approximately a week after making your request. Court

hearings are held on Wednesdays at 10am. Note: you must have paid all

juvenile fines prior to sealing.

For more information, contact:

Whatcom County Juvenile Court

311 Grand Ave, Ste 501

Bellingham, WA 98225-4048

Phone: 360-676-6780

Or online at

http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/juvenile/sealingrecords.jsp

Whitman County You may purchase a packet of forms and instructions for $2 from Clerk’s

Office.

For more information, contact:

Whitman County Clerk

400 N Main St

Colfax, WA 99111-0598

Phone: 509-397-6240

Yakima County Yakima County generally follows the process as described in this Manual.

TeamChild provides a free packet of forms and instructions if you’re

looking to seal Yakima County records. Their contact information is:

32 North 3rd St., Suite 422

Yakima, WA 98901

(509) 573-4993

MT AND DECL TO SEAL RECORDS (MTAF) – Page 1 of 3

WPF JU 10.0300 (6/2010) – RCW 13.50.050(11) (12), RCW 13.40.127(10), GR 15

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON

COUNTY OF _______________________

JUVENILE COURT

STATE OF WASHINGTON v.

Respondent.

D.O.B.:

No:

MOTION AND DECLARATION TO

SEAL RECORDS OF JUVENILE

OFFENDER

(MTAF)

I. MOTION

RESPONDENT moves the court for an order sealing his or her juvenile court records. This motion is

based on RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12) or RCW 13.40.127(10), GR 15(c) and the declaration of

respondent.

Dated:

Pro Se Respondent

II. DECLARATION OF RESPONDENT

I, , state as follows:

2.1. Finding of guilt: On _____________________ [date] I was found guilty of

_______________________________________________________ [name of offense].

2.2 Sealing records - factors pursuant to RCW 13.50.050:

Class A Felony Conviction: Since my last date of release from confinement, including

full-time residential treatment, or from the entry of disposition (including deferred

MT AND DECL TO SEAL RECORDS (MTAF) – Page 2 of 3

WPF JU 10.0300 (6/2010) – RCW 13.50.050(11) (12), RCW 13.40.127(10), GR 15

disposition), I have spent five consecutive years in the community without committing any

offense or crime that has resulted in conviction or adjudication.

Class B and C Felony, and Gross Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor Conviction: Since

my last date of release from confinement, including full-time residential treatment, or from

the entry of disposition (including deferred disposition), I have spent two consecutive years

in the community without committing any offense or crime that has resulted in conviction.

Diversion: Since completion of the Diversion Agreement, I have spent two consecutive

years in the community without committing any offense or crime that subsequently resulted

in conviction or diversion.

And, I meet the following requirements:

There are no proceedings pending against me seeking the conviction of a juvenile or

criminal offense.

There are no proceedings pending against me seeking the formation of a diversion

agreement.

I have not been convicted of a sex offense.

Full restitution has been paid.

I am eligible to have my records sealed under RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12) in that I have

satisfied all the requirements of those statutes.

2.3 Sealing records of vacated deferred disposition – factors pursuant to RCW 13.40.127(10):

I meet the following requirements:

The court vacated my deferred disposition and dismissed the case with prejudice pursuant to

RCW 13.40.127(9).

I am over 18 years of age.

There are no charges pending against me.

2.4 Other circumstances that I believe require sealing of my juvenile court records (GR 15):

MT AND DECL TO SEAL RECORDS (MTAF) – Page 3 of 3

WPF JU 10.0300 (6/2010) – RCW 13.50.050(11) (12), RCW 13.40.127(10), GR 15

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the foregoing is, to the

best of my knowledge, true and correct.

Signed on ______________________, at ______________________________, Washington.

____________________________________

Pro Se Respondent (Sign Name)

___________________________________

Print Name

___________________________________

Address

___________________________________

ORD ON MT TO SEAL RECORDS (ORSF) - Page

of 1

WPF JU 10.0320 (7/2009) - RCW 13.50.050(11) - (16), GR 15(c)

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON

COUNTY OF _______________________

JUVENILE COURT

STATE OF WASHINGTON v.

Respondent.

D.O.B.:

No:

ORDER ON MOTION TO SEAL

RECORDS OFJUVENILE OFFENDER

(ORSF)

I. BASIS

THIS MATTER came on before the court on respondent’s motion to seal records of juvenile offender

pursuant to  RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12),  RCW 13.40.127(10),  GR 15(c). The court heard the

matter without oral argument and considered the pleadings submitted on the matter and the relevant court

records.

II. FINDINGS

2.1 Adequate notice  was  was not given to the appropriate parties and agencies.

2.2 Compelling privacy or safety concerns that outweigh the public interest in access to the court

records  have  have not been found:

 Respondent  has  has not satisfied the requirements of RCW 13.50.050(11) and (12).

 Respondent  has  has not satisfied the requirements of RCW 13.40.127(10).

 Other (GR 15):

III. ORDER

Based on the above findings, it is hereby ordered:

 The motion to seal records is denied.

ORD ON MT TO SEAL RECORDS (ORSF) - Page

of 2

WPF JU 10.0320 (7/2009) - RCW 13.50.050(11) - (16), GR 15(c)

 The court grants the motion to seal records pursuant to GR 15.

 The court grants the motion to seal  vacated deferred disposition records pursuant to

RCW 13.40.127(10),  juvenile court records pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11) to (16), and:

1. The order and findings in this case are vacated, if not already vacated by RCW 13.40.127(9).

2. The official juvenile court file, the social file, and all other juvenile records as specified in RCW

13.50.050(11) in the above-entitled matter are hereby sealed.

3. The proceedings in the case shall be treated as if they never occurred, and the subject of the

records may reply accordingly to any inquiry about the events, records of which are sealed.

4. Any agency in possession of such records sealed pursuant to this order that was given notice of the

motion shall reply to any inquiry concerning such sealed records as follows:

“that any record or social file is confidential and that no information can be given about

the existence or nonexistence of records concerning an individual.”

5. Inspection of any records sealed pursuant to this order shall only be permitted by further order of

the court, except as otherwise provided in RCW 13.50.010(8) and 13.50.050(23).

6. Any adjudication of a juvenile offense or a crime subsequent to sealing has the effect of nullifying

this order. Any charges of an adult felony subsequent to the sealing, has the effect of nullifying

the sealing order for the purposes of chapter 9.94A RCW.

Dated:

JUDGE/COMMISSIONER

Submitted by:

__________________________________________

Pro Se Respondent (Sign Name)

__________________________________________

Print Name

APPROVED FOR ENTRY:

___________________________________________

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

NT OF RESP’S MT TO SEAL RECORDS (NT) - Page 1 of 1

WPF JU 10.0315 (7/2009) – RCW 13.50.050(11) (13), RCW 13.40.127(10), GR 15(c)

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON

COUNTY OF _______________________

JUVENILE COURT

STATE OF WASHINGTON v.

Respondent.

D.O.B.:

No:

NOTICE OF RESPONDENT’S

MOTION TO SEAL RECORDS OF

JUVENILE OFFENDER

(NT)

TO: _______________ County Superior Court Clerk's Office

TO: _______________ County Prosecutor, Juvenile Division

TO: _______________ County Juvenile Court Administrator

TO: _______________ Police Department/Sheriff’s Office

TO: Washington State Patrol, Records Division

TO: Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (DSHS)

TO: _____________________________________

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on ________________________________ at _____________ a.m./p.m.,

at _________________________________________ County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, attorney

for ________________________________, will move for an order sealing the juvenile records on the

above entitled matter.

Dated: __________________________________

______________________________

Pro Se Respondent (Sign Name)

_____________________________

Print Name