Arrested As a Minor but No Conviction
My question involves a background check in the State of: California.
Last March I was arrested for burglary from Macy's Department Store at the age of 17. The police were called in and they took me to the police station since I was arrested. Because I was a minor, my parents came to pick me up. An officer booked me and took my fingerprints and I was later released to my parents. The police officer gave my parents two citations or something saying I was suppose to appear at court. The next month I found out that my case has been dismissed so I am assuming that I have never been convicted of a crime or felony since I did not have to appear before a judge. However, I have an arrest record. On job applications, they ask if I have ever been CONVICTED of a crime; they do not ask if I was ARRESTED. I wasn't sure how to answer the question so I put "No" since I was never convicted. Will that be held against me? Technically, I wasn't lying.. but I was not straight forward either... Will my arrest show up on background checks if I do not get my record sealed or expunged?
I know what I did was wrong and it was my first and last offense. Because of the incident, I've changed into a better person and I have always been a good student at school. I just wish that this incident would not be held against me for the rest of my life.
If anyone can help me answer my questions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
Re: Arrested As a Minor but No Conviction
Hi,
That's exactly what happened to me when I was 16(same store). Except I wasn't asked to appear in court or had my fingerprints taken, just was booked. You will most likely receive a civil demand letter from Macy's just like I did and from my knowledge if you do not pay the fine, you can be sued and/or it may affect your credit rating.
You were arrested as a minor .. I'm not really sure if your arrest record will show up .. it all really depends on your state laws. In IL I've been told that your juvenile records don't show at all until your really charged and may clear when your 18.
I was charged with a robbery after that when I turned 17 and in IL you are charged as an adult when your 17. So when the judge asked the clerk or state attorney or whoever the lady is that reads out the reports ... asking for my background check and nothing had come up. Once your an adult none of your juvenile records show up.
Also, you may have also been added to the national retailers theft database where it may hurt you in finding a job in retail. Being that Macy's is a large Merchandise company.
Also, this was your first offense and you were given a chance. I recently applied for a job and my little Macy's arrest incident didn't show up because it was when I was a minor. I think you have a fair chance in getting a job right now.
All of this information is what I've learned from this forum and experienced.
Hope this helps, good luck.
Re: Arrested As a Minor but No Conviction
If you answer no to convictions questions your not lying,the arrest still might show up. You should she if the arrest can be expunged b.c there was a dismal. Are sure that your were arrested as a juvi,17 is an adult in most states.
If they ask about arrest then the answer is yes,if convictions then put no and don't feel guilty about it.You should found out for sure if you were arrested as a juvi or adult. You may of been charged as an adult but they still called your parents b.c your were under 18. If you were arrested as a juvi then the arrest should be sealed or expunged after a certain amt of time.
If this was an adult arrest it might show up,the fact it was dismissed and not pending would help.
Re: Arrested As a Minor but No Conviction
Thanks for the replies. It sort've made me feel better. Yes, I did receive the civil demand letter and my parents paid for that immediately. I'm pretty sure I was arrested as a juvi. I'm not sure if laws in CA are similar to ones in IL. I do know that I can have my record sealed when I'm 18 and if it's been a year since the arrest or conviction which will be in 6-7 months. However, I'm still scared that I would not be getting a job for a while and that my arrest will show up in a criminal background check..
Re: Arrested As a Minor but No Conviction
Hey, if your pretty sure you were a juvi when this happened .. it sounds like your good in getting a job because you never went to court or anything .. or got charged and this was your first offense. It's a worth of try to apply somewhere, just wouldn't get my hopes up in applying anywhere in retail stores, but it's always worth the try.
The laws in CA and IL are sort of different, but in IL, I've always heard your juvenile record never shows up on background checks. Once you hit the adult age that's when you need to worry.