Questions About Juveniles and Utah Juvenile Court

This blog has previously addressed some frequently asked questions that parents may have concerning juveniles and Utah juvenile court. Read on to see more questions and their answers.

Where do juveniles pay fines and submit their community service hours?

• Both parents and the juvenile must sign the child’s community service work hours form. Fine payments can be mailed as a check or money order.

Can community service hours be done at home?

• No. Parents and children may not receive money, benefits or compensation for any services.

Where may community service hours be accomplished?

• Non-profit agencies
• Schools
• Parks
• Libraries
• Hospitals
• Substance Abuse Programs
• Homeless Shelters
• Nursing Homes

How are driving privileges reinstated?

• Depending on what was ordered by the court, the Department of Public Safety will review your driving history and convictions. A letter will be sent to you outlining what type of action is being taken, such as a denial or suspension of driving privileges.

What happens to the juvenile record?

• When a juvenile is involved with a Utah juvenile court, he will have two types of records: legal and social. The legal records detail all the juvenile’s dealings with the court and are accessible is the juvenile is 14 or older and charged with a felony. Social records contain probation records, psychological evaluations and treatment performance. Juvenile records are kept until the person is 28 years old, after which they are kept on electronic medium. These records are not automatically expunged.

What is the process for expunging a juvenile record?

• One year must have passed after a Utah juvenile court no longer has jurisdiction over the child. All fines, fees and restitution must have been paid, and the juvenile must not have an adult criminal record within one year’s time.

These are beginning answers to basic questions. For a more in-depth explanation of these or any other questions, please contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney and let him address your child’s particular needs.