Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

juvenile criminal record

When my son was 15 he was involved with 3 other kids in an attempted break in. He went to court with the charge of 2nd degree attempted burglary. He was ordered to pay restitution and was on probation. He was originally given a deferred disposition but did not abide by the terms of his probation. The restitution has been paid in full and he is now 18. Does he need to answer yes on a job application to the prior felony conviction question? Would his record have been sealed when he turned 18? Is there a way for him to request to have his record sealed? Does his juvenile record prevent him from ever registering and voting in an election?


Asked on 8/16/04, 1:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: juvenile criminal record

Each of your questions is addressed below:

________________________________________

Does he need to answer yes on a job application to the prior felony conviction question?

Unless the plea of guilty was withdrawn and the charge dismissed, he must answer yes.

________________________________________

Would his record have been sealed when he turned 18? Is there a way for him to request to have his record sealed?

He is not eligible to have his record sealed until at least 5 years have passed since the last date of confinement (date of conviction, if no confinement) without being convicted of any crime.

________________________________________

Does his juvenile record prevent him from ever registering and voting in an election?

Upon termination of his supervision, all of his civil rights (except right to possess firearms) should have been restored. this includes the right to vote, serve as a juror and hold elected office. He becomes eligible to restore his right to possess firearms on the 5th anniversary of his conviction date or release from custody, whichever is later. Sealing his record will not restore his firearm rights.

________________________________________

You can find a summary of applicable law at www.wasrecord.com .

Read more
Answered on 8/16/04, 3:03 pm
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: juvenile criminal record

Does he need to answer yes on a job application to the prior felony conviction question?

Unless the plea of guilty was withdrawn and the charge dismissed, he must answer yes.

________________________________________

Would his record have been sealed when he turned 18? Is there a way for him to request to have his record sealed?

He is not eligible to have his record sealed until at least 5 years have passed since the last date of confinement (date of conviction, if no confinement) without being convicted of any crime.

________________________________________

Does his juvenile record prevent him from ever registering and voting in an election?

Upon termination of his supervision, all of his civil rights (except right to possess firearms) should have been restored. this includes the right to vote, serve as a juror and hold elected office. He becomes eligible to restore his right to possess firearms on the 5th anniversary of his conviction date or release from custody, whichever is later. Sealing his record will not restore his firearm rights.

________________________________________

You can find a summary of applicable law at www.wasrecord.com .

Read more
Answered on 8/16/04, 3:03 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Washington