Will a charge from my juvenile record bar me from employment?

I have a aggravated assault w/deadly weapon charge on my juvenile record. I was 14 at the time and It is the only felony charge I have. I will graduate with a BA degree in Criminology and I wish to become a Homicide Detective but I know I must first become a street cop. Are my chances blown? Some people have told me I can never get a law enforcement job, and others have said I can? Any experiences?

Usually, juvenile charges will not appear on your criminal history. When going through the recruiting process...DO NOT leave the fact that you have a juvenile felony off the application. I suggest you put it on there. The recruiter will find out anyway and if you're not honest even about juvenile issues, it will be held against you.

I suggest before filling out an application for a LE job talk to a recruiter in your town or state. Explain your situation. If you haven't done anything wrong in the last 10 years you should be good. Every department has different hiring policies check with each agency before filling out the applications. Agencies can compare applications...if you put the felony on one app and leave it off the other it could hurt you.

Good luck.

AC-are you serious? All cops are miserable criminals themselves...why do you think they choose to carry weapons? To kill at will and demonstrate their cowardice. Report Abuse

It's going to be tough... my daughter is in the process right now and she has NO criminal record and they have scrutinized her unmercifully. Her ex husband didn't have a record but he admitted he had broke into a house with some friends when 13 and they denied him. So it may depend on where you are, who you know and how much they need you. On the other hand, you can take it to court and have the file expunged or sealed. But that will cost!
Good luck... If nothing else, be a probation officer.

As an adult you have the option of sealing your juvenile record. I did it. I went to the probation department requested a form, submitted the form and within a short period your record is sealed. I suggest you get this done quickly, before you begin your career.

FORGET ABOUT GETTING CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL

it shouldnt. its illeagal for anone to use your juvie record after you turn 18,
I THINK