What Does a Criminal Record Really Mean? 

Note:

Most employers will be able to consider your conviction when you apply for a job. However, if a record has been sealed, you may respond to an employer’s question as if the conviction never happened.

 
When you are convicted of a crime, that conviction may have effects that stick with you for years to come. It can affect what kind of job you may get, where you can go to school, as well as other things.

If you have a criminal record, it is important to fully understand what that means. Never hesitate to ask questions of your lawyer or your probation officer.

Many youth believe their criminal record is wiped clean when they 18. THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY TRUE. Changes in the law have made it more difficult to leave your record behind and get on with your life. If you have committed a less serious crime, your record will be sealed. This means you don’t have to tell anyone except a judge that you have been convicted of a crime as a youth. So, employers won’t be able to find this out. What crimes are serious and less serious? Keep reading.


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If you were convicted of a Class A crime (Murder, Attempted Murder, Arson 1, Assault 1, Robbery 1), or a "sex crime" you will never be able to seal your record.

If you were convicted of a Class B crime (Possession of Stolen Property, Burglary, Sale of Drugs, Theft 1), you must wait 10 years, and not be convicted of another crime in order to seal your record.

If you were convicted of a Class C crime (Forgery, Possession of a Firearm, Taking of Motor Vehicle without Owner's Possession), you must wait 5 years, and not be convicted of another crime in order to seal your record.

If you were convicted of a crime for which you had to only perform public service or take a class, your record will be sealed when you are 18.