Juvenile Blemish Might Be Cleared

Question

My son was put on probation for six months three years ago. He is still on probation. He is considered "low maintenance" and only calls his Probation Officer once a week. He will be 18 soon and I want to know if his legal trouble will appear on his adult record.

Answer 1

You are very wise to be thinking about your son's future. A juvenile record can come back to haunt even the most law-abiding, responsible adults. Many employers routinely ask about criminal convictions -- and some occupations are off-limits to those with past brushes with the law. Whether you will be able to seal -- sometimes called expunge -- your son's record depends on the law in your state. Many states do, indeed, allow juveniles to seal their records if the offenses were relatively mild and the juvenile has remained clear of the law for a certain time.  I suggest that you begin with your son's probation officer. In some states, probation officers will work with their successful probationees to seal the record. If your son has been clean and cooperative, the chances that the PO will want to help will naturally go up. Even if the PO can't or won't help, you may get enough information so that you can do it yourself. And you could always go to a reputable criminal defense lawyer for help.  But by all means, persevere. It will be well worth the effort.