This blog is ADVERTISING MATERIAL for Charles R. Samuels, Attorney at Law, PLLC – 4908 Monument Ave., Ste. 100, Richmond, VA 23230; 804-342-1995
I have spent a lot of time over the last 10 years representing children in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. One question I hear time and time again is, "Will a guilty verdict affect me later in life?" Sometimes folks are worried about having to explain a criminal act to colleges, others are worried they could get evicted.
Virginia law does make certain provisions for sealing and expunging a juvenile's criminal record, but there are many ways in which it could follow one into adulthood. A few examples are:
- If a juvenile is convicted of a felony, or if the judge takes the matter under advisement for a period of time and then dismisses the charge, the juvenile's record is not expunged. See Virginia Code 16.1-299.
- The state legislature has also adopted laws which prevent people convicted or who's juvenile felony has been taken under advisement from obtaining employment in certain fields including those careers which provide care to children, the disabled or the elderly.
- If a juvenile was 14 years of age or older at the time of a felony offense, all court records regarding that case and any subsequent case will be a matter of public record. See Virginia Code 16.1-305(B1).
While most juveniles will not have to deal with any long term repercussions from a conviction in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, some will deal with repercussions for years.
Charles R. Samuels is an attorney in Richmond, Virginia practicing disability law. He may be reached at 804-342-1995 x302.
Disclaimer:
ADVERTISING MATERIAL - Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by the lawyer.
