Will Juvenile Record Hurt Job Search?

Hello,

I have a juvenile record.

When I was younger, I got into some trouble. Looking back, I'm really sorry for the things I've done. I am hoping that the stupid things I did as a kid won't keep me from having a good future. I want to go to college. How can I move forward now?

Thanks for your help.

Calvin.

Will Juvenile Record Hurt Job Search?

Hello Calvin,

That’s a very good question. Many people believe that juvenile records disappear when one reach the age of adulthood. In most cases, juvenile records are sealed by the court. When a case is “sealed” it can only be examined by order of the court. Sealing of a criminal record entails that a court clerk is ordered by a judge to conceal a court record of criminal proceedings from public view. The records are not destroyed because under certain conditions, a court can order that previously sealed records be reopened. Loosely speaking, the effect of sealing is the court treats the information in the record as if never existed.

A court not only seals its records, but also orders that records with information about the charges held by others be sealed as well. Persons may then by rights and legally respond to any inquiries about the arrest, acquittal, conviction etc., as if they never happened. For instance, you may by rights in a job interview or even under oath to deny a sealed conviction. Once a record has been sealed it is not gone. It will be visible to law enforcement, government agencies and the courts. This may impact you eligibility for civil service jobs or jobs that require a license or certification.

In some states, juvenile records are automatically sealed. You can find out if your juvenile record was automatically sealed or if you have to apply to have it sealed. An Attorney can help you with this. You may be able to get free legal advice regarding this at your local legal aid office.

I hope this helps

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