Who Can See Your Juvenile Record in PA?
More People May Have Access to a Juvenile Record Than You Think
Conventional wisdom says that, once someone becomes an adult, their juvenile criminal records are locked away tight – but that’s not always how things work.
Parents and teens should both be aware that the truth is a bit more complicated than public perception would have it.
What are the types of juvenile records?
There are actually two kinds of juvenile records that may be out there on any minor who faced charges in the past. These are the law enforcement records (kept by local and state police) and the juvenile court records (kept by the court system’s agencies and participants).
Generally speaking, the vast majority of these records are confidential, but they can still be accessed by people like court personnel, law enforcement officers, attorneys and parole boards. In addition, a juvenile’s criminal record is available to the public whenever:
● The juvenile was either 12 or 13 years of age at the time of the offense and they committed murder, kidnapping, robbery, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, arson and certain sexual offenses.
● The juvenile was 14 years of age or older and they committed a crime that would have been a felony (or certain enumerated misdemeanors) if they were an adult.
Juvenile records can also be opened due to national security interests, or to any judicial agency, institution or person that has the court’s permission.
Consequences related to juvenile records
The consequences of this can be problematic for several reasons. First, if the record is public, it may show up on a background check. That can make it very difficult for a young adult to put their past behind them and move forward. It can negatively affect their ability to attend college, enlist in the military, obtain housing, find employment, and obtain certain professional licenses.
Second, even though a delinquency adjudication isn’t the same as an adult criminal conviction, the adjudication can be considered by prosecutors and the Court if the juvenile ever gets into trouble again as an adult. Depending on the offense, the adjudication could be part of a person’s prior record score and weighted into the court’s decision when it comes to sentencing on adult charges.
Exploring your options
Expungement, or the process by which an official criminal record is sealed or legally erased, can sometimes happen in juvenile cases, but the process is far from automatic. If you or your child got into trouble as a minor, it may be time to explore your options with the assistance of an experienced criminal law attorney. Contact Szilagyi Law LLC today for help with any concerns related to your juvenile records.
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.