Do juvenile misdemeanors stay on your record?

My friend was caught for petty theft and possession of a box cutter (weapon). She was detained and was later taken away to the police station. This was in San Francisco. She's 15 and has close to a 4.0. She has a court day coming up. Does anyone know the consequences of this? Will this stay on her record? How long? Thanks for your help.

In most states, state laws make juvenile court records confidential. As such, that part of the record would be kept closed to the public. It doesn't mean that it's not "on her record," but just that nobody is likely to find out about it (which is almost as good).

The one thing that your friend needs to know is that the decision to keep juvenile court records closed is a policy decision by the state legislature. In theory, that decision could be changed tomorrow and the records could become public. While that is currently unlikely, there is a growing sentiment for making juvenile court records more accessible to the public. As such, your friend should not rely on those records always being confidential.

Your records live a long life..forever ..unless you go to court to have them expunged..& this is rarely done...Juvenile recores are not open to the public..As any other records are.