Will a Juvenile Arrest Record Come Up in a Background Check?

Is there anything you have ever wanted to know from Campbell Police Department? Well, this is your chance to ask. 

Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our column, “Ask a Campbell Cop.” We'll be teaming up with the Campbell Police Department to answer your questions.

Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends, or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run two or three questions and give some answers.

To submit a question, email mayra.marcotte@patch.com or add it in the comments section below.

This week's questions from Campbell Patch readers were answered by Campbell Police Captain Dave Carmichael.

Q: As a minor I got in some trouble with the law. It wasn't anything terribly serious and I was told my record would be sealed. But I'm still curious if I have a record that can be accessed via a background check, possibly stopping me from entering Canada on an upcoming vacation. How would I perform a background check on myself?

With few exceptions, juvenile arrest records are indeed sealed and not accessible without a court order or other legal foundation. It is unlikely that such a record, particularly if the offense was of a relatively minor nature, would ever appear on a check when trying to enter another country for vacation. 

To be certain, you can go to the juvenile court clerk's office in the county where the offense occurred and ask if they can verify that the record is sealed. There are also websites who claim that, for a fee, they are able to provide limited background information. 

I am not sure how accurate or thorough their information might be and cannot vouch for any website search. The best bet is to check with the actual court if you want to be sure.

Read more "Ask a Campbell Cop" questions and answers here.

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