A motion to seal is a formal request that is submitted to the court to prevent evidence and transcripts related to a specific court case from being available to the general public. An attorney who is licensed to practice in the jurisdiction where the case is heard usually initiates a motion of this type, although many jurisdictions will allow private citizens to file the motion through a court clerk. A court request to seal records is common in many situations, especially when the welfare of a minor could be adversely impacted if the court records were made readily available to the general public.
Most jurisdictions have specific laws and procedures regarding the motion to seal. While processes vary, it is not unusual for a court to require that specific documents be filed with the court clerk before a judge will consider the request to seal the records connected with a given case. Some jurisdictions require that a waiting period must take place between the date that the case is settled and the records are officially sealed. In other situations, the records are sealed as soon as the judge grants the request.
New Hampshire Motion to Seal Juvenile Records: In the state of New Hampshire, a Motion to Seal Juvenile Records is a legal process that allows individuals who have been involved in juvenile offenses to request that their records be sealed or made confidential. This motion aims to protect the confidentiality and privacy of juveniles who have made mistakes in their past. When juvenile records are sealed, they are no longer accessible to the public or most entities, ensuring that the individuals have a fair chance to move forward with their lives without the burden of their past actions. The New Hampshire Motion to Seal Juvenile Records can be categorized into different types based on the specific circumstances and offenses involved. Some of these types include: 1. General Sealing of Juvenile Records: This type applies to individuals who have completed their court-imposed sentence, probation, or treatment program successfully and want their records to be sealed. 2. Sealing Juvenile Delinquency Adjudication Records: This type pertains to cases where a juvenile has been found delinquent, meaning they have been accused or convicted of committing an offense. It allows individuals to request the sealing of their records once they turn 21 years old or after five years have passed since the termination of any court-ordered involvement. 3. Sealing Delinquent Conduct Records: This type applies to cases involving juvenile offenses classified as "delinquent conduct." These offenses are less severe than delinquency adjudications, such as low-level misdemeanors or status offenses. Individuals can typically request the sealing of these records after one year from the termination of their court-ordered involvement or once they turn 18 years old. 4. Sealing Records under the "victims of human trafficking" provision: New Hampshire has a provision that allows victims of human trafficking, who were involved in juvenile offenses as a direct result of their trafficking situation, to request the sealing of their records. To initiate the process of filing a Motion to Seal Juvenile Records in New Hampshire, individuals or their legal representatives must submit a formal motion to the court where the case was originally heard. The motion should include specific details about the individual's case, their current circumstances, and reasons why sealing the records would be in the best interest of justice and rehabilitation. It is important to note that not all juvenile records can be sealed in New Hampshire. Serious offenses such as felonies, certain violent crimes, and sex offenses may often be excluded from the sealing process. Additionally, other factors like subsequent criminal convictions or pending charges can impact the eligibility for sealing juvenile records. Overall, the New Hampshire Motion to Seal Juvenile Records serves as a crucial legal mechanism to grant individuals a fresh start and protect their privacy, while also considering the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
