Juvenile Defense Lawyer St Charles, MO
A St. Charles, MO juvenile defense lawyer understands that parents always hope when their teen walks out the door, they will stay safe and always make the right choices. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and many teens make poor choices, such as participating in activities that are against the law. Depending on the severity of the crime, they can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony and that classification will determine the penalty they face if they are convicted.
If your child has been charged with a crime, it is critical you contact Traffic Ticket Center immediately for legal assistance. Having a juvenile criminal record can affect your child’s future for years to come, affecting their employment and educational choices and opportunities.
Although many Missouri families believe that a teen’s juvenile record is automatically sealed once they reach the legal age of 18, this is not always the case. If the charges against the teen were dismissed, then they will not appear on their permanent record. However, if the charges resulted in an adjudication (similar to a conviction in adult court) – either via a judge or plea agreement – then they remain on the teen’s record where potential educational institutions and employers will be able to see them. In order to make these charges unavailable to anyone, a petition must be filed with the court requesting the conviction be erased.
If a child is convicted, how should they answer that question on future legal applications?
On employment, school, housing, and many other important applications, there is often an inquiry as to whether the individual has ever been convicted of a crime. An adjudication in juvenile court is not the same as a criminal conviction in adult court, so the individual can answer no to that question. However, if the application asks if the person has ever been adjudicated as a minor [such as on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)], they must answer yes.
Will a criminal record affect a child’s ability to apply to educational institutions?
Although a criminal conviction on a teen’s record will not necessarily result in an enrollment denial for college or other schools, if the institution is a competitive one with a high application rate, the teen’s criminal record may be a deciding factor of whether they are ultimately accepted to the school.
Can a teen with a juvenile record still enlist in the military?
A juvenile record will no automatically prohibit a teen from enlisting in the military, however, it may still be a factor. Even an erased record can still be during the background check that is performed when a person enlists, so it is critical to be truthful about the record when asked.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today
If your teen is facing criminal charges, contact the legal team at Traffic Ticket Center today to meet with a juvenile defense lawyer St. Charles, MO families recommend.