FAQs • Chester County, PA • CivicEngage

Do I need to hire a lawyer for court?: A juvenile is entitled to representation by legal counsel at all stages of any proceedings. If a juvenile is without financial resources or otherwise unable to hire counsel, he/she in entitled to have the Court provide counsel for him/her.

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Juvenile Probation

1. How can I get my record expunged?: After a juvenile’s case is closed they may be eligible to have their records expunged (legally erased). This eligibility depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, age, the nature of the offense and the time that has passed since the case has been closed.

Having a juvenile record can have serious consequences. It can impact employment, acceptance into college or the Armed Forces, or from working in certain professions such as teacher, childcare worker, or lawyer.

Juvenile delinquency records are NOT automatically expunged. To get the records expunged a Motion for Expungement must be filed with the Juvenile Court.

For questions concerning expungement eligibility or to request the expungement instructions/forms, contact Joe Dodds, from the Juvenile Probation Department Legal Unit either at: 610-344-6394 or [email protected]

2. Are Hearings open to the public?: Generally they are not open to the public, unless the juvenile was 14 years of age or older at the time of the alleged conduct and the alleged conduct would be considered a felony if committed by an adult.

3. Do I need to hire a lawyer for court?: A juvenile is entitled to representation by legal counsel at all stages of any proceedings. If a juvenile is without financial resources or otherwise unable to hire counsel, he/she in entitled to have the Court provide counsel for him/her.

4. May a juvenile be fingerprinted or photographed?: All juveniles who have been arrested for Misdemeanor or Felony offenses may be fingerprinted or photographed. If they are found guilty of the offense and adjudicated delinquent, it is a requirement.

5. What is the proper attire for Court?: It is recommended that people dress as formal as possible for Court.
Do NOT wear: shorts; tank tops; tight or revealing clothing; pants that hang down and expose your underwear; clothing with drug, gun, or gang references; or ripped or torn clothing.

6. I have received a letter from the court, what do I do?: Read the letter CAREFULLY, it will give you either a number to call or a date and time to appear in court for your hearing.