When is the court required to notify the child and parent of the child's right to an expunction?

• A. At initial appearance
• B. Upon conviction
• C. Upon the child's release from detention
• D. When the child is charged with penal offenses

Answer: (D)

The important idea is that a juvenile’s right to have records expunged should be brought to the family’s attention early in the process, so they know their options and any deadlines. The court must notify the child and parent when the child is charged with penal offenses because this is when the official record is created and the possibility of later expunction becomes relevant. Notifying at initial appearance would occur after charges are already brought and isn’t the trigger for the expunction right. Waiting until conviction delays awareness of the option, and notification upon release from detention doesn’t align with the charging and record-creation timeline. So, the moment charges are filed is the appropriate time for this notification.