Recent Feedback
If someone has a juvenile sealing order that specifically states that they do not have to disclose the conviction to any agency and this record does not show up on an FBI background check and they apply for a job that specifically asks whether the person has any previous convictions "even if they have been sealed or expunged" as in the case where someone wants to be a teacher or lawyer, can the person state "no" because the sealing order says they can or must they disclose the sealed records?
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: Washington
Jacustomer,Some states seal juvenile records tight as a drum and for all intents and purposes it does not constitute a crime. In other instances,criminal matters, even though sealed will turn up on a background check. I can tell you that for something like law school, the standard for bar admission is present fitness. You can become a lawyer with a criminal conviction -- even an adult Felony conviction -- so long as by the time your admission to the bar is being considered you have a solid and lengthy history of your complete rehabilitation. This means that what you did as a juvenile is a great deal less serious than any attempt as an adult to cover it up since a cover up -- no matter what your sealing order says -- would indicate a possible lack of good character.If you are sure that this offense will not turn up on a full FBI print check, then you can rely on the sealing order and say no. Otherwise, the better position is to disclose with a note that it was a juvenile matter which was sealed..
Experience: 18 yrs of NYC public defense. Extensive arraignment, hearing, trial experience.
So if it does not show up on the FBI print background check then I can be certain that it won't show up on a law school/bar exam background check?
Hi,I'm sorry for the delay. I was eating my dinner and didn't notice this reply coming through.If you ordered a full fingerprint check from the FBI and it shows nothing then it's not going to turn up, because when Washington sealed it, they didn't turn it over as a criminal offense. That's all there is, so if it's not there, there's no record. In that case, you ought to be able to rely on what Washington wrote on the sealing order and say that you have no Criminal Record. If the print check didn't go back far enough to check juvy records, that's another story. It still may be there. Then, I think the better course is to disclose. You can get your full criminal history from the FBI here. if you're not sure the entire record was looked at.