Sealed criminal record as a juvenile?

Question

When I was a juvenile, I was charged with assault 4 - a misdedeamer offense. I had it sealed a while back. I was told by the court that it is COMPLETELY sealed, and taken out of EVERY government database, and there was absolutely no way to open it. Now, I am asking this question because I have intentions of applying to be a police officer soon. When asked about criminal history, should I address my juvenile charge, even though it won't appear on the background search? (The court did inform me that it won't appear)

I'm not worried about the polygraph- they're easy to pass. So that aside, should I inform them? If so, what reason do I have to do so?

Answer 1

Juvenile records can usually only be opened by a court order.  If the court said it was taken out of every database, was it expunged or sealed?  If it was expunged, then you have nothing to worry about.  If it was only sealed and you are applying for a job, I wouldn't worry about it too much.  I'm pretty sure that they are not going to get a court order for your juvenile records.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I would think very seriously about this.  The most important aspect of the application and screening process is honesty.  If the application wants to know if you have ever been arrested as an adult or juvenile, I would disclose it, even if they were sealed.

The reason is that the polygraph is mandatory for most departments and is used as a screening tool.  So, if you mark no on your application, but then are later asked this during the polygraph it would indicate deception and you could end up getting you disqualified.  Better to error on the side of safety and come clean about something that is now sealed, than risk it causing your entire law enforcement career to come to a screeching halt later.

Answer 3

Unless you feeling like telling them for the h**l of it, I wouldn't. If they're not going to find out, then just leave it in the past. It's closed.

Answer 4

when your record is expunged almost nobody can look into it, and especially not when you are applying for a job, even a government job.

Answer 5

You are correct, juvenile records are sealed information not accessible to employers performing background checks. As far as your juvenile record being accessible when applying for LOCAL law enforcement, I believe it depends on which state you reside in.  If it is accessible and admissible into your interview process, I am not sure how much it would influence their decision making.   However, I know when applying for federal/government bureaus everything you have done and everyone you have known is fair game.  What I suggest you do is ask a local cop in your area about the juvenile records procedure when applying for the police department.  If it is admissible, my suggestion to you is to bring documentation and proof of probation completion, rehabilitation (anger management classes you attended, etc), letters of recommendation, and anything else that can help show you are a reformed individual.  Don't defend yourself or what you were accused and convicted of, the trial is already over.  Good luck and remember honesty is the best policy.