Do I have to disclose my juvenile criminal record to a perspective employer?

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Do I have to disclose my juvenile criminal record to a perspective employer?

When I was 12 years old I was taken to jail for biting my mother, who pressed charges. I was charged with assault and was commanded to do 1 year of probation. I served this with no issues. Since then, I have moved back to the state of my birth. I am now 17 and am looking for a job. Also, I need to know if I have to disclose this if the employer does not specifically ask for juvenile convictions but only asks for adult convictions.

Asked on January 1, 2013 under Criminal Law, California

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Here is the thing: juvenile records are not automatically sealed in California so if you fail to disclose the information and a background check is done it will come up.  Your situation is definitely easily explained - assault was harsh but the rest of the facts would need to be given - and given your young age (even for biting) I am sure that consideration would be given by an employer.  But I would take the time now to have the record sealed or expunged (wiped out so to speak) from view by the general public.  Certain employers - like Law enforcement agencies - will still have access.  Good luck.


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