Will my son’s criminal record automatically be expunged at the age of 18?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Will my son’s criminal record automatically be expunged at the age of 18?
My son, age 17, was pulled over (cop said he was following car too close; my son said he wasn’t). Cop asked to search his car. My son said cop said he will call K-9, so my son said OK. There were 3 other boys in the car ages 17-19. The cops found marijuana butts in the ashtray. They ticketed my son for following too close and marijuana. He has never been in any trouble with the law. He has court date next month and he turn 18 4 days before. Do you recommend he request an court appointed lawyer? Should we speak with a private criminal law attorney? In South Norfolk, VA.
Asked on August 22, 2011 Virginia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
How was he charged? As a juvenile? If he is convicted as an adult then the record will not automatically be expunged. I would most definitely consult with an attorney on this matter as soon as you can. Your son can indeed request an attorney be appointed on his behalf but I would take no chances here going in blind, so to speak. If there is the slightest chance that this will show up on a record for the rest of his life I would hire some one. It may also be a good idea for your son to enter in to a voluntary drug rehab program prior to the court date to shoe the judge that he has every intention of going straight. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.