If I was sentenced under the youthful offender act, will my criminal records be sealed?
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If I was sentenced under the youthful offender act, will my criminal records be sealed?
The crime I was found guilty of is felony malicious wounding. Does that give any reason for the authorities not to seal my records?
Asked on May 7, 2011 under Criminal Law, West Virginia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you had an attorney- and I am hoping you did given the charge - then it would be best to speak with them on the matter just to be sure that your state does not have some strange twist on the matter. generally speaking, youthful offender statutes are used in felony cases specifically. And the answer to your question should be yes, your record should be automatically sealed even given the felony charge. Now, please understand that the system is not foolproof. So by that I mean run background check after you turn 18 to make sure that the conviction AND arrest record are sealed. You have a second chance. Use it wisely.
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