Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

juvenile criminal record

do i have to disclose criminal drug charges from a juvenile record from 15 years ago on a job application that will be conducting a background check? my juvenile felony is in california and i live in michigan now (if that matters). if this is still something that an employer can see, please advise me on how to seal my records. i have not has so much as a speeding ticket since my trouble as a teen, i want nothing more that to lock up this skeleton in my closet so no one can find it!


Asked on 3/31/07, 3:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Neil O'Brien Eaton County Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Re: juvenile criminal record

I have heard some attorneys advise their clients that -- technically -- since Michigan juvenile delinquency adjudications are not "criminal", pursuant to section 1 of the juvenile code, you can answer "no" on the job application is if asks if you have been "convicted" of a felony or misdemeanor. You really only have to answer "yes" on the application if it specifically asks about "juvenile convictions/adjudications". (If the application asks a poorly-constructed question, can they fault you for answering it 'literally'?)

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Answered on 4/02/07, 8:11 am
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: juvenile criminal record

Most states (including Michigan) seal juvenile records so you don't have to reveal them on a job application and your future employer can't get to it.

Use the California part of this forum to learn about your record there.

William Morrison

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Answered on 4/01/07, 4:01 pm


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