If you’re like many people, you’ve wondered if juvenile records show up on a background check – and the answer isn’t always simple.

A recent report by the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, only three out every 1,000 juvenile records are ever destroyed – and that includes arrests that never resulted in convictions.

But will they ever show up in a background check?

Here’s what you need to know.

Do Juvenile Records Show Up On a Background Check?

Many juvenile records show up on background checks. There are exceptions, though – if the records have been sealed or expunged, they won’t show up. (There’s one catch: If the records were sealed, they may still show up in some background checks, like those conducted by law enforcement, the military and some employers – most notably, those in the healthcare field.)

Expunging or sealing a juvenile record is incredibly important. Otherwise, any time you authorize a background check, your records will appear – even if you’re over 18 now.

What Happens With Juvenile Records That Show Up On Background Checks?

Unfortunately, juvenile records that show up on background checks can be used to deny you a place to live, a job or even a line of credit. Sometimes those records even prevent people from being admitted to school for a post-secondary education.

What Can You Do About Juvenile Records?

If you have a juvenile criminal record, we may be able to help you.

Call us at 847-920-4540 for a free case review right now. We may be able to help you erase the past so you can start moving toward a better future.