Juvenile Record Questioned

[mason82 0]

Even though I didn't get denied for my FID and PP, I was questioned about a record on my juvenile record when I was approximately 13 years old (for a very minor incident).  

 

I was questioned with the following questions:

1. Who was your legal guardian?

2. How old were you?

3. What happened?

4. What year did it happen?

5. What was the "status/outcome" of the incident?

 

20 years later, this information is not so clear anymore to me.   I can't pinpoint the date or even remember the exact year the incident occured.   Family members can't either or anyone else that knew me at the time.   My parents don't have any of the documents and I'm just completely lost on how to get generalized information about this (should I get questioned again).   I contacted the juvenile court in the municipality that I was arrested (in-person and on the phone with Clifton) and was told they WILL NOT release the record without an attorney (even if it's for yourself).   So I called an attorney and she told me that the court system will most likely not even have the record anymore (she was very familiar with that particular municipality) and suggested that I get a criminal background check done (Personal Record Request through MorphoTrak/Saffran).   I was also told that I need this to start the expungment process if I decided to move forward.  

 

I got the results back and the letter indicated that there was no criminal history matching to my prints (by the way, submitted prints on 5/28/12, received results in the mail 6/4).  

 

How can I get ANY generalized information about this incident?  It was non-violent and definently not public and all I had to do was go through an "at-home training" and had to pass a test with the material they provided me with (audio tapes). I remember passing the test but I just want to know what the record says (the date, whether it was conditionally discharged, expunged, etc.).   Other than my FID and PP, the question is also asked on the Utah CFP and they also asked for the specifics (date of incident, outcome, etc.).  

 

Any ideas?

 

[Arbelest 29]

Maybe a record may not show it but one of your references or someone they spoke to during their background check said to much.  Also I am not sure MorphoTrak/Saffran have access to juvenile records, I could be wrong on that though.

[mason82 0]

Thanks for the response Arbelest!  The references I used wouldn't of known this so I'm doubting they had anything to do with it.     I also collected the reference letters personally and dropped them off at the PD and they didn't reference this on those forms.  Any other thoughts? 

[Tallday 10]

I thought JV records were off limits?

[Tack Tickle 0]

Unless you were charged as an adult or it was some serious crime, JV records should not affect your FID process.

 

Are you sure they didn't trick you into answering these questions?

[SJG 253]

" I contacted the juvenile court in the municipality that I was arrested (in-person and on the phone with Clifton) and was told they WILL NOT release the record without an attorney (even if it's for yourself). "  The clerk is wrong, but many do this, the problem is identity, they are concerned that that the person that is asking for the released record, may not be the person identified in the record and therefore confidentiality provisions are breached. Not sure, if you showed them a drivers license with your picture etc.  A NJSP record check is the better way to go for you as a prelude to an expungement  petition, if that comes back negative and there is nothing to expunge,you might want to prepare and submit an affidavit with your FID, application, so that if it is denied, and you have to appeal to a Superior Court Judge, you will look good. Also, as part of  your application submit: "I got the results back and the letter indicated that there was no criminal history matching to my prints (by the way, submitted prints on 5/28/12, received results in the mail 6/4). This should work out fine for you.

[tony357 386]

I would just write in you are were too young to remember, put in your gaurdians name at the time.. it sounds like they are fishing by reading the questions..

 

Do not try to hide anything answering truth full may be all their looking for..

[Anselmo 87]

Even though I didn't get denied for my FID and PP, I was questioned about a record on my juvenile record when I was approximately 13 years old (for a very minor incident).  

 

I was questioned with the following questions:

1. Who was your legal guardian?

2. How old were you?

3. What happened?

4. What year did it happen?

5. What was the "status/outcome" of the incident?

 

You should be able to answer 1, 3 and 5 without problem.  You should be able to give an approximate range for 2 and 4.  Give that to your local PD and see if that suffices. It should.  If they wanted the official transcript and were really worried, they'd get it themselves and not ask you.  Or, maybe they already have it but want to get your side of the story.  So, be truthful.  Lying is a problem.  Not remembering dates is not a problem. 

 

When I did background check on myself, the letter arrived in the mail 2 days after I was fingerprinted.  That process is not the source of delays.

[mason82 0]

First, thanks for the replies....  Second, the officer that asked me the questions approved the FID and PP and was very pleasant to deal with.    We joked about it for about a minute and was given the documents.   I also know a lot of the officers in that department personally and I've never had any problems.   They didn't bust my chops or anything.    Matter of fact I answered one of the questions wrong (who was my legal guardian) since my parents were in the middle of a divorce during that time..   Still wasn't a problem but had me slightly concerned that they knew more about me that I did. 

 

"I thought JV records were off limits?"

According the the officer, this isn't true.    You can also refer to NJSA 2A:4A-60 (Disclosure of Juvenile Information) which states they can  "Law enforcement agencies for the purpose of reviewing applications for a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card"

 

"Unless you were charged as an adult or it was some serious crime, JV records should not affect your FID process."

It didn't affect my FID process but had me concerned and wanted more information.  

 

"I would just write in you are were too young to remember, put in your gaurdians name at the time.. it sounds like they are fishing by reading the questions.. "

The question was asked verbally when I went to pick the permits up.    Was a non-issue but see below. 

 

My biggest concern is I'm planning to move out of this town and if I end up in a town that gives a hard time/denys because of this, I would atleast like to be prepared properly.    Regarding the status of the incident... I'm not sure if it's conditionally discharged (which I'm assuming it is), expunged, etc.    Like anyone else, I would prefer to not to have to appeal and pay an attorney (yet alone within 30 days).   If I could get a copy of my own information, this may make things easier should I ever have to appeal for whatever reason or be questioned about it again (which a matter of fact, I did when I applied for my Utah CFP).  

[Arbelest 29]

Next time you apply and they ask, ask them for a copy of the file because it was a long time ago they may make you a copy or they may not but its the cheaper option and it never hurts to ask them.

[illy 1]

Mason:

 

My understanding is that all juvenile matters are handled by the Superior Court's Family Division, never municipal court. That means your record will be at the county courthouse in Paterson, not Clifton Municipal. Here's the contact info http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/passaic/records.htm

 

Good luck