Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Re: Sealed juvenile records

In theory, a sealed conviction arising from a criminal act that was adjudicated when the offender was a minor does not create a criminal record. Your permitted to answer the question of whether or not you've ever been convicted of a crime in the negative. In reality, however, if your applying for a job with law enforcement, they will most likely be able to access your arrest record and you'd probably be better served by answering "yes" and giving an explanation. This approach would demonstrate that you've taken responsibility for your acts, have provided full disclosure and your explanation that the conviction record was sealed would suggest that they should not hold it against you.