For parents whose child has been charged
Finding out your child has been arrested or charged is frightening. You want to protect them, and you want to know how this will affect school, a driver's license, and their future. Juvenile court works differently from adult court, and early decisions matter.
Chester Baldwin, a Former Thurston County Rule-9 Prosecutor, defends young people and helps families understand every step. We talk with you as a parent, and we represent your child.
What we handle
- Juvenile offender cases in Washington juvenile courts, from first appearance through resolution.
- Diversion, an option for some first-time and lower-level offenses that can resolve a case without a court adjudication.
- Minor DUI and other driving-related charges.
- Sealing juvenile records once your child is eligible.
Minor DUI (drivers under 21)
Washington has a separate offense for drivers under 21 who have been drinking or using cannabis, even below the adult DUI limits. It applies at an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more, or any detectable THC, within two hours of driving. It is a misdemeanor.
Where the case is heard surprises many parents. A traffic offense like Minor DUI committed by a 16 or 17 year old goes to district or municipal court, the same courts adults use, not juvenile court. That means the record follows adult rules: it is cleared later by vacating it, not by juvenile sealing. We handle these cases for drivers of any age under 21.
A Minor DUI can also bring a separate license suspension from the Department of Licensing, with its own short deadline to request a hearing, so call early.
RCW 46.61.503 and RCW 13.04.030
Sealing a juvenile record
Many juvenile records can be sealed. Once sealed, the case is treated as if it never happened, and your child may answer accordingly when asked about it.
- Automatic sealing. For many cases, the court holds an administrative sealing hearing after your child turns 18 and finishes probation, as long as restitution owed to the victim is paid. Your child does not need to attend. Most serious offenses, sex offenses, and drug offenses are not sealed this way.
- Sealing by motion. For class B, class C, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor offenses, and for diversions, the court must grant a motion to seal after two consecutive years in the community with no new conviction, no pending charges, and restitution paid. Class A offenses require five years.
A new adjudication or adult felony charge can undo a sealing order, so it pays to understand the rules early.
RCW 13.50.260
How we work with families
- Free, confidential consultation with you as the parent.
- We meet with your child, review the charges, and explain the options in plain language.
- We appear at every hearing and keep you informed.
- When the case is over, we tell you when your child can seal or vacate the record, and we can file the motion if needed.
What it costs
The consultation is free. After it, Chester quotes the fee for your matter before any work begins, so you know the cost up front. Major credit cards accepted.
Common questions
Can my child's juvenile record be sealed?
Often, yes. For most offenses, the court holds an administrative sealing hearing once your child turns 18 and finishes supervision, if restitution to the victim is paid. That hearing is not available for most serious offenses, sex offenses, or drug offenses. Otherwise, you can ask by motion: after two years for class B and C felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and diversions, or after five years for class A felonies.
My 16 or 17 year old got a Minor DUI. Is that juvenile court?
Usually not. A traffic offense by a 16 or 17 year old goes to district or municipal court, not juvenile court, so adult court rules apply. That record is later vacated rather than sealed.
What is a Minor DUI?
A misdemeanor for a driver under 21 with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more, or any THC.
Will a juvenile case affect my child's right to vote?
No. Juvenile convictions never affect the right to vote in Washington.
Counties served
Thurston, Pierce, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor Counties, with other Western Washington courts on request.