Background checks can make anyone nervous, especially young adults entering into their professional lives. From housing to job opportunities, past mistakes can feel like they’re waiting to resurface at the worst possible time. Will a juvenile record show up on a background check?
In this guide, we’ll take a deeper look into what a juvenile record is, how it’s handled, and whether it’s accessible to colleges, employers, and landlords. Understanding the laws will give you some clarity and help you plan your next move.
Will a Juvenile Record Show Up on a Background Check?
Juvenile records include any crimes and convictions committed by an individual before reaching adulthood. These offenses can range from underage drinking to theft and vandalism. Most states consider an individual an adult once they reach the age of 18, but in some states it can also be 17 or 16.
Since juvenile crimes are handled differently than adult offenses, age plays an important role in reporting requirements. When an adult commits a crime, they get a heavier sentence and the charges remain on their records permanently. They’re also visible on background checks. Juvenile records, on the other hand, are usually kept confidential.
Are Juvenile Records Always Kept Confidential?
The juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. This is why, in most cases, these records are not available for public viewing. However, a few factors can cause juvenile records to show on background checks. These include:
- The Type of Offense: Serious crimes like armed robberies, drug trafficking, or motor vehicle theft, may be handled differently than minor infractions.
- The Age of the Offender: Crimes committed by older teens are taken more seriously.
- The Purpose of the Background Check: Employers hiring for high responsibility roles, mainly childcare, healthcare, banking, or law enforcement, may be legally permitted to view juvenile records.
Are Juvenile Records Accessible Through Modern Background Searches?
Besides formal checks requested by employers and landlords, some people use online background check tools to verify an individual’s history. These tools collect information from multiple public databases to compile reports.
So, while the system doesn’t make juvenile records public, if the case was mentioned in the news or was included in a third-party database, it might appear on a deeper background search. That’s why it’s important to understand what information exists about you and how it’s being presented.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Records
No one wants their past to mess with their present, especially if they’ve worked hard to make things right. If you’re concerned about any criminal incident from your teenage days, here are a few things you can do for your peace of mind:
- Check your records using a people search tool to see what comes up.
- Try to correct any outdated or incorrect information that surfaces.
- Check your state laws to understand how record expungement or sealing works.
When Juvenile Records Are Sealed or Expunged
There are two legal ways in which you can conceal or permanently delete your juvenile record from public databases. These include:
- Sealing Records: When you request to seal a record, it’s hidden from the general public. It still exists, though. Courts and specific agencies can access them when needed.
- Expunging Records: Expungement permanently deletes a juvenile record. It’s treated like it never existed. It doesn’t appear in background checks or public searches.
Many states automatically seal juvenile records once you reach adulthood. For expungement, you’ll have to file a petition. However, it’s important to note that not all offenses are expungeable. Serious felonies might still show up on your record.
Juvenile Records Shouldn’t Define Your Future
Juvenile records are meant to give second chances. This is why they are kept out of background checks. This way, every young adult gets a chance at education, housing, and employment.
However, there are always some exceptions. This is why it’s important to understand how records are stored, accessed, and displayed. It can make a big difference in protecting your reputation and peace of mind.
