Is A Juvenile Record A Criminal Record

**8955** · 05-05-2008, 11:52 AM

My question involves criminal records for the state of: TN

I was caught soplifting when I was 17. I don't really recall the details as it was over 20 years ago. I did have to do about 30 hours of community service. Anyway, my question is: if asked in a depostion if I have ever commited a crime do I answer yes or no? Is this information the defense attorney's will have or is my juvenile record sealed in TN? This is the only time I have ever been in any kind of trouble in my whole life.

**LawResearcherMissy** · 05-06-2008, 04:14 AM

Not all juvenile records are automatically sealed when you turn 18.

Contact the Clerk of Courts in the county in which you were convicted to see about looking over your record. If it hasn't been sealed, you can apply to do so.

Anyway, my question is: if asked in a depostion if I have ever commited a crime do I answer yes or no?

I believe that if you have had your record sealed, you may answer No. You should consult an attorney about that, though.

It's always in your best interests to answer truthfully. "When I was 17 and stupid, I got caught shoplifting. I did my community service and have never been in trouble since." is a perfectly reasonable answer.