Juvenile Crime

Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys working in our Juvenile Division represent the State of Ohio in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations by prosecuting or adjudicating such matters as misdemeanor and felony crimes committed by juvenile offenders, traffic offenses committed by juvenile offenders and abuse, neglect and dependency cases involving juvenile victims.

The office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Victims and/or witnesses seeking information on their case may call 614-525-4440 during business hours.

The Juvenile Felony Diversion Program

The Juvenile Felony Diversion (JFD) program — a one-year pilot created in partnership between the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch — will refer eligible juveniles to the court’s Youth Education & Intervention Services Department (YEIS) as an alternative to juvenile court, easing strain on court dockets, improving judicial efficiency and reducing costs to the juvenile justice system.

YEIS provides research-informed, evidence-based programming, including the Community Restorative Justice Circles Program, which brings together juveniles, families, victims and community volunteers to work toward restitution, accountability and healing.

Launched in Fall 2025, the new program gives victims a greater voice in the process and creates opportunities for juvenile offenders to make positive contributions to their communities. Victims will be notified prior to referral, as their consent is required for a case diversion. The most unique aspect of this program is that restitution will be paid to the victim up front, ensuring they are made whole faster. Restitution is paid out of a program fund and worked off by the juvenile completing the program.

Not all cases are eligible, as this is for low-level felony cases. The prosecutor’s office will screen felony cases under strict criteria outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Cases not eligible for Juvenile Felony Diversion include repeat or dangerous offenders, those with weapon offenses, and those convicted of the following offenses:

  • Offenses of Violence (i.e. Murder, Felonious Assault, etc.)
  • Agg. Vehicular Homicide
  • Vehicular Homicide
  • Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
  • Gross Sexual Imposition
  • Compelling Prostitution
  • Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles
  • Pandering Obscenity
  • Compelling Acceptance of Objectionable Materials
  • Safecracking
  • Unlawful Abortion
  • Abortion Manslaughter
  • Bribery
  • Perjury
  • Tampering with Evidence
  • Obstructing Justice
  • Unlawful Transactions in Weapons

Juveniles accepted into the diversion program after a referral and court approval will participate in a 90-day process monitored by YEIS. Successful completion of all program requirements will result in the case being dismissed, sealed and expunged. If the juvenile fails to complete the program successfully, the case will be reactivated and sent back to court.

The Juvenile Felony Diversion program will be closely monitored throughout its first year. Representatives from the prosecutor’s office and juvenile court will meet quarterly to review outcomes, track progress and make adjustments as needed.

Sealing or Expunging a Juvenile Record

What does it mean to seal or expungement a juvenile record?

Sealed records are removed from your court file. Sealed records are still available to the juvenile court as well as available to law enforcement agencies, schools, and a limited number of employers. Sealed records are not available to prospective employers or providers of public housing. Sealed records do not appear on background checks. Juvenile records and dismissed cases are not automatically sealed.

Expunged records are destroyed by the Court. The Court will treat the adjudication as if it had never occurred. No one will have access to expunged Court records. A record must be sealed before it can be expunged. This can also happen at the same time.

Who can see juvenile records?

Conviction vs. Adjudication: Only adult offenders are convicted of a crime. Juvenile offenders are adjudicated delinquent. Juvenile records are not generally considered public information and are not available on court websites. A person must obtain special permission to view juvenile records.

Juvenile Records and Background checks: Juvenile records will appear on Ohio BCI and FBI background checks as well as private background checks.

How can I seal or expungement a juvenile record?

Eligibility

  • All juvenile offenses other than Aggravated Murder, Murder, and Rape are eligible to be sealed and expunged.
  • The offender must wait until they turn eighteen (18) years old or six (6) months after the case in discharged. The case is considered discharged when the sentence is completed.
  • Dismissed cases are eligible to be sealed immediately, there is not an age or waiting period requirement.

File a motion

  • The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office can assist in the filing of a request to seal or expunge a record.
  • An application and motion can be obtained at 399 S. Front Street. An application can also be obtained from the Clerk of Courts.

Process

  • The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office will only oppose the sealing or expungement of juvenile cases in certain situations. The Prosecutor’s Office may be required to notify victims of the request.  Even if there is opposition, we will make sure your motion is filed and a court hearing is scheduled so you have the opportunity to address the Court.
  • The Court will make the final decision on whether the matter is sealed or expunged.

Resources and Helpful Links

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