Juvenile Felon needs Job Search Advice

Hello,

I have just been offered a position to teach in the Palm Beach County School District. On the Security Form they have asked me to fill out the first question is, "Has your driver's license EVER been suspended or revoked?" Farther down, there is a question, "Have you EVER plead no contest in a criminal proceeding?"

When I was 16 yrs old (2001), I was arrested for underage drinking, and I plead no contest and with the disposition that my license was suspended for 6 months. I did a background check on myself to figure out the dates, but there was no record of it. Do I answer yes to these questions? My concern is that I have to have my fingerprints taken to verify my background, and I remember having my fingerprints taken after the arrest; I am worried that there might be a hit in the system for my fingerprints, and if I answer "No" now I will have lied on my application and be fired. What is your advice?

Thank you for your time.

Juvenile Felon needs Job Search Advice

I’m not sure which state you live in, but in NJ, juvenile offenses are only visible to the court system, government agencies and law enforcement. You can legally deny a juvenile conviction on a job application. You may encounter a problem if you ever apply for a job that require any type of certification or licensing.

Often felon job searches begin with some legal assistance. To be sure, contact your local legal aid office. You will be able to get free legal information about how your juvenile record may affect future employment opportunities.