How Juvenile Criminal Records Affect Future Opportunities in PA

If you or your child has been arrested or adjudicated delinquent (the juvenile equivalent of being found guilty), it's essential to understand how that record can impact education, employment, housing, and more—and what legal steps can be taken to minimize the damage.

Do Juvenile Records Show Up on Background Checks in PA?

Yes, in many cases they do.

Although juvenile records are treated differently than adult records, they are not automatically sealed or expunged in Pennsylvania. That means schools, employers, the military, and even landlords may be able to see your juvenile history, depending on the type of record and how the background check is conducted.

For example, your juvenile record may appear if you:

• Apply for law enforcement or government jobs

• Seek a professional license (healthcare, law, etc.)

• Attempt to enlist in the military

• Are involved in family court or child custody matters

• Are charged again as an adult, especially for a similar offense

Types of Juvenile Records That Can Follow You

1. Arrest records – Even if the charges were dismissed or withdrawn

2. Petitions filed by the prosecutor

3. Adjudications of delinquency (similar to convictions in adult court)

4. Probation or treatment reports

5. Detention center history

Any of these can affect how you’re treated in future legal matters—or whether you qualify for certain opportunities.

How Juvenile Records Affect Future Opportunities

🎓 Education and College Admissions

• Some colleges ask about juvenile records on their applications

• Financial aid may be denied for certain drug-related adjudications

• Student housing opportunities can be limited

💼 Employment

• Employers who run criminal background checks may see juvenile offenses

• You may be disqualified from jobs requiring security clearance

• Licensed professions often require disclosure of juvenile records

🪖 Military Service

• The U.S. military reviews juvenile history during enlistment

• Some branches require a waiver for those with certain adjudications

• Felony-level offenses may prevent you from joining altogether

🏡 Housing

• Public housing authorities and private landlords may consider juvenile history

• Some deny applications based on offenses involving violence or drugs

Can Juvenile Records Be Expunged in Pennsylvania?

Yes—and this is often your best long-term solution.

Under Pennsylvania law, you can petition to have your juvenile record expunged (erased) if:

• You are over 18 years old, and

• It’s been at least 5 years since the case ended

• You have no new charges or arrests

• Your case was dismissed or you were found not delinquent

• You completed all court requirements (probation, treatment, restitution)

Even if you don’t qualify now, an attorney can advise you on when you will be eligible—and what to do in the meantime.

Why a Criminal Defense Attorney Is Crucial

A defense lawyer with experience in juvenile law can:

✅ Review your history and determine which parts of your record may still appear
✅ Help you petition for expungement
✅ Represent you in court to argue for a clean slate
✅ Advocate for your rights in future legal matters if your juvenile past is unfairly used against you

Don’t assume your juvenile record is gone. It takes legal action to fully clear it.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

If you or your child has a juvenile record in Pennsylvania, it’s never too early—or too late—to start protecting your future. With over 30 years of criminal defense experience, Mark D. Hauser has helped countless young people and families navigate the legal system and pursue expungement.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.