Why Should I Be Concerned about my Juvenile Record?
If you've been arrested for Juvenile Criminal Defense in the past, you may have heard that your juvenile records will be kept private when you are an adult. Obviously, you do not want your juvenile record to come back and haunt you now or in the future. However, you may be surprised to learn that most juvenile records are not sealed automatically.
Speaking to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your area is a smart way to get information about your juvenile records and to determine whether these past documents may hurt your defense against adult criminal charges.
The Truth about Juvenile Records
Most juvenile cases of the past protected the identities of the accused. Proceedings were typically held in closed juvenile courts, while the juvenile's name was never revealed. This privacy helped create common yet mistaken beliefs that juvenile court records were no longer accessible once the person reached a certain age.
In reality, the privacy of juvenile defendants has actually been declining since the mid-1990s. A local criminal defense attorney can further explain how juvenile records have become more accessible.
Will My Juvenile Records Go Away Once I Reach a Certain Age?
Juvenile records are not wiped away in most states when the accused person reaches the age of the majority. In most states, people must petition to have their criminal record sealed or expunged at a later date. However, many juvenile defendants aren't aware of the importance of making this petition. Consequently, many juveniles do not make this petition, and their juvenile histories remain a part of their criminal records.
In order to close or clear your juvenile record, certain steps must be taken in most states. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a local criminal defense attorney who can explain the procedures required in your state.
Are My Juvenile Records At Least Private?
Juvenile criminal laws have been changed in nearly every state since the mid-1990s, and most of these changes now make it easier to disclose information about juvenile defendants. Here are just a few examples.
- The juvenile's school is notified in most states when a juvenile is arrested or enters into some juvenile or adult criminal justice system. This notification can even lead to the student being automatically transferred to an alternative school in specific states.
- The juvenile's name and address is revealed to the victim in several states.
- Many juvenile cases in most states take place in open court.
- Media may access juvenile court records in several states.
- There are no restrictions for the public release of juvenile court records in several states.
Speak with one of the Total Criminal Defense sponsoring lawyers in your area to further learn how juvenile court records may be disclosed to the public, and how this may directly affect you.
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Your Juvenile Records May Hurt You Down the Line
Juvenile convictions not only include more serious penalties nowadays but may also damage one's reputation, employment prospects and educational opportunities down the line. Don't let your juvenile criminal records set you back. Speak with a local criminal defense attorney who can explain the policies in your jurisdiction and the risks involved with juvenile delinquencies. Get started by calling 1 (877) 445-1059 or simply fill out our online case evaluation form, and we'll help you schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the criminal defense attorneys in your area who sponsor our site.