Originally Posted by kane

I think the rules vary from state to state, but in some states when you search for sealed records it comes back as having no records.

Still, other states, I believe will show that there is a record, but they are sealed. Most juvenile stuff ends up eventually getting destroyed so long as the person maintains a clean record.

As for this girl's case, don't get me wrong. It was fucked up that they put her in jail. I understand arresting her for truancy, but once they heard her story and found out why she was missing class instead of throwing her in jail they should have looked into ways to help her so she can work less and get to school. Especially since she is old enough to drop out or take the GED. They should have been glad she was even going.

All that said, I don't see this as a "ruin her life" kind of thing. If I were her I would leave the record unsealed and wear it like a badge of honor in a job interview. If they ask if you have been convicted of a crime you tell them yes, explain the situation and let them know the reason you were sentenced to one day in jail is because you were trying to go to school while supporting your family. If I am an employer I might look at that say, "This is a person who is dedicated and driven."

It would be different if she were charged with something really bad like theft or assault, but she has a good story, she is getting press now and should save those clippings and make them resume items.