Many people tell me they have no prior criminal record.
"What about juvenile crimes?" I often ask.
"Oh, yeah those, but those went off my record when I turned 18." they tell me.
JUVENILE CHARGES, ARRESTS, OR CRIMES, do not go off your record when you turn 18.
If you get in no other trouble after you commit one juvenile crime, your record will automatically be expunged when you turn 24. HOWEVER, there are certain juvenile crimes, like sex crimes, and violent crimes, and crimes involving firearms or explosives, that will not be automatically expunged from your record at 24. EVEN IF YOU NEVER COMMIT ANOTHER CRIME.
Practically speaking, it may be difficult for anyone to find the record since all of the clerk's offices in Florida (or any one I've ever been to) will not let anyone but the attorneys see a juvenile court file.
However, if a potential employer, or spouse, or anyone does a background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, they will most likely be able to find the record.
