Young people can be impulsive and make decisions that will affect them for years to come. The Juvenile Justice System realizes that teens are more prone to peer pressure and other influences, and focuses on rehabilitation over punishment. The justice system allows young offenders to be eligible for expungement, which can clear their criminal record of a conviction.
Expunging Your Juvenile Record
In Florida, juvenile crimes are not automatically expunged. They will remain on your record until you petition their removal. There are two option to clear you juvenile record: expungement and record sealing. Expungement will remove many crimes, but it is not able to remove all types of crimes. For crimes that are ineligible for expungement, record sealing may be a solution.
Each conviction or arrest is only eligible for one expungement attempt. If you try to have a charge expunged and are not successful, the charge will remain on your record and cannot be removed. There are a number of crimes which cannot be expunged, including:
- Assault
- Battery
- Unlawful use or possession of a firearm
- Animal cruelty
- Sexual misconduct
- Any sex crime which required registration as a sex offender
More serious crimes are likely to be tried as an adult, which are far more difficult to expunge. If you or a loved one is being tried as an adult for a crime committed as a minor, speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney.
How Private is My Juvenile Record?
If you have convictions from when you were younger, you may be concerned about the effect your record will have on your ability to find employment, get loans, attend school, or find a place to live. There are certain individuals and institutions who have the right to ask about your criminal history as a part of an application or while discussing your opportunities at an organization. Your juvenile record will still require you to disclose your history, however, you can also inform them that you were convicted as a minor.
Learn About Expunging Your Records - (888) 912-7220
If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime as a juvenile offender, you should speak with our Fort Wayne juvenile crimes lawyers to learn what you can do. Your record doesn’t need to stand in the way of your life, and you can take steps to reduce its impact. At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we are committed to helping our clients protect themselves and move on from their criminal convictions.
Schedule a free case evaluation by calling (888) 912-7220. We can be contacted anytime, day or night.
