Juvenile court cases can affect a young person’s future for a long time, depending on the type of charge and the outcome. In Washington state, cases in juvenile court are supposed to have a goal of help and rehabilitation, rather than solely punish. However, the effects can last into adulthood, affecting many parts of adult life that may not have been considered back when the case was being handled in juvenile court. Understanding these outcomes is crucial for youth, parents, and caregivers dealing with the juvenile criminal system.
How does juvenile adjudication affect education and employment?
Adjudication is a term used in juvenile court. In adult court it is called a conviction. Like adult convictions, some juvenile adjudications can present problems in education and career paths:
- School admissions: Some colleges ask about juvenile records, affecting acceptance decisions.
- Financial aid: If your child intends to apply for federal student aid, their offenses may limit their potential for eligibility.
- Job applications: Juvenile records stay confidential, but some employers can access them for specific employment positions.
- Professional licenses: Certain adjudications affect eligibility for professional licenses in healthcare or law.
- Right to possess firearms as an adult: Certain adjudications bar future rights to possess firearms unless additional steps are taken to restore that right. Sealing a juvenile case alone does not restore that right.
Washington law helps by sealing some juvenile records automatically under specific conditions. If a record is not sealed automatically, there are avenues for many juvenile offenses to be sealed by filing a request to the court. Sealing a juvenile case reduces educational and employment challenges and protects your child from potential discrimination based on juvenile conduct.
What impact can a juvenile adjudication have on housing and military service?
If your child has a juvenile adjudication, you can expect it to affect their housing and military opportunities. To what extent, depends on the type of case and the outcome.
- Public housing: Some crimes might impact their chances of getting help by way of public housing. Offenses that include drug activity, firearms, domestic violence, violent offenses, and sex offenses may prevent approval for public housing.
- Private rentals: A landlord might check their background and find their juvenile records and exclude them based on safety concerns.
- Military enlistment: They might not qualify for military service, or may also miss special waivers in the military because of their juvenile record.
Washington’s record-sealing rules can help with some of these issues. However, it is essential to know the limits and who qualifies.
How can you address the long-term effects of a juvenile adjudication?
Facing a juvenile adjudication can be challenging. You and your child should know the potential long-term effects at the time the case is being handled in juvenile court and decisions are being made. It is far better to know these potential issues before a case is resolved than trying to go back and fix it later. Know your child’s rights, investigate record-sealing options, and seek support.
Each case is unique, with its own challenges and solutions. An experienced attorney can guide you and your child through juvenile law with clarity and less worry. They can help you protect your child’s future, their rights, and clarify their options, leading to a better future.