Do juvenile felonies carry over?
Asked by: Elizabeth Kulas | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)
For a juvenile felony conviction, the felony will remain on the juvenile's record until they are 29 years old. Further, a juvenile felony conviction will make it illegal for the juvenile to purchase, possess or transport a firearm until they are at least 29 years old.
Do felonies go away if you're a minor?
Many people believe that if you commit a crime as a minor, your criminal record is automatically sealed or erased once you turn 18. However, this is not necessarily true. In California, juvenile records do not automatically disappear when you become an adult.
What happens when someone under 18 commits a felony in the US?
A minor, someone charged with committing a crime when under age 18, begins his or her case in juvenile court. If the minor is charged with committing a felony when age 15 through 17, his or her case may or must be transferred to adult court (the regular criminal docket in Superior Court) depending on the charge.
Can colleges see your juvenile record?
You need to take action to ensure that is done. Can colleges or the military find out if I have a juvenile record? Yes.
Can juveniles be convicted of felonies?
Juveniles are rarely tried as adults in the State of California, but in specific instances – such as when the crime in question is a serious felony like murder or rape – they can be.
THE GUN LAWYER: Can someone who commits a felony as a juvenile own a firearm when they are of age?
What happens to first time juvenile offenders?
When juveniles are first in trouble or they're charged for the first time, often unless it's a very serious felony such as murder, armed robbery, or rape, unless it's an extremely serious felony, a juvenile is normally going to be tried on probation.
Can a 16 year old go to jail for stealing?
Minors under 18 years old cannot be tried as adults for petty theft in California. The juvenile justice system takes care of all cases involving juvenile petty theft. However, this may not be the case for more serious offenses that are listed in WIC 707(b), like robbery charges.
Can I join the military with a juvenile felony?
Depending on the crime(s) you committed and how honest you are about your past convictions, the military may or may not accept your application. Generally speaking, the militarily will not automatically reject your application based solely on a juvenile conviction.
What shows up on your school record?
These records include but are not limited to grades, transcripts, class lists, student course schedules, health records (at the K-12 level), student financial information (at the postsecondary level), and student discipline files.
Can you run a background check on a 17 year old?
It is perfectly legal to run a background check on a minor. However, to do so, you need consent from the employee—this consent counts as a legally binding agreement. This is where complications arise. Due to their age, the law prevents minors from entering legally-binding agreements.
Can I go to Canada with a juvenile felony?
Denied Entry Due to Juvenile Record
If agents believe the offense may equate to an adult conviction in Canada, they can deny admittance regardless of how young the person was when the incident transpired.
What is the youngest age to go to jail?
There is no minimum age for criminal responsibility. Children below age 14 can only face incarceration if they are proven to have enough discernment between right and wrong. Incarceration starting at age 14. Other measures applied for ages 12–13.
What age can you go to Juvie in Canada?
In Canada, young people can be held responsible for a crime as of age 12. So, police can arrest a teenager if they think that the teen committed a crime (for example, theft, assault, drug possession or trafficking). But the law treats teens under 18 differently than adults.
What goes on your permanent record?
What is a permanent record? A permanent record is maintained on each student. The record carries the student's full legal name, date of birth, dates of enrollment/withdrawal/graduation, courses taken, final grades received, yearly/cumulative GPA, rank in class and test results.
Does your high school record follow you?
This record can follow the student throughout their academic career, potentially influencing future educational and career opportunities. For instance, colleges and universities often request disciplinary records as part of their admissions process.
Do employers look at school records?
An educational background verification is a necessary component of many background checks when applying for a job. While checking and verifying an applicant's education credentials may be an extra step in the hiring process, a complete background check helps employers identify and hire great talent.
Can a 30 year old felon join the military?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
Does a juvenile record affect college?
A conviction of a serious juvenile crime may result in an automatic rejection of college applications. A minor with a criminal record may be disqualified from accessing student loans or grants. If your child has been arrested or charged with a juvenile crime, you need a juvenile defense attorney.
What age disqualifies you from the military?
Age limits
Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41. Marine Corps: 17 - 28. Navy: 17 - 41.
How much time can a juvenile get for breaking and entering?
Defendants facing burglary charges may be put behind bars for three to seven years. However, residential burglary is a first-degree felony if the structure entered was a school, place of worship, or daycare facility, punishable by four to 15 years in prison. Teens 18 and older will be tried as adults.
Does shoplifting stay on your record if you're a minor?
For severe or felony shoplifting where an adult would likely be sentenced to jail time, the court could order placement in a juvenile detention facility or program. If you commit a criminal offense as a minor, you may still be able to have your criminal record expunged once you serve your sentence.
Can I call the police if my child is stealing from me?
If your child is consistently stealing high-value items or large amounts of money, it may be time to involve the police.
What is the most common sentence for juvenile offenders?
Probation is perhaps the most common penalty in the juvenile justice system. Judges have considerable discretion to set the terms of probation. These may be specific to the circumstances of the case.
What are the most common juvenile crimes?
Some of the more common juvenile offenses include: theft, larceny, alcohol offenses, disturbing the peace, drug offenses, vandalism, assault, robbery, criminal trespass, harassment, fraud, burglary, loitering, possession of stolen property, possession of weapons and crimes committed on behalf of gangs.
How old are most juvenile offenders?
Youth between 15 and 17 made up 68 percent of all juvenile arrests. Youth between the ages of 15 and 17 were most likely to be arrested for alcohol and drug violation cases.