There is a general misconception that criminal findings of guilt before adulthood have no impact once the person becomes an adult. This is simply not correct.

A young person's record does not cease to exist simply because the individual turned 18. If the person becomes an adult and re-offends before the "non-disclosure period" has passed, the young person's record can be used in court.

In addition, where the young person becomes an adult and tries to get a job there can be issues. If the job requires security clearance must be granted by the government, a youth's criminal record may be disclosed.

Private sector employers who wish to see the young person's record can make a formal request in youth court and convince the judge that they have a substantial interest in the record.

Further, some employers ask candidates to make a request to the police for their youth records. (Young people are able to access their own criminal record.) In that situation, the candidates have a dilemma: they can agree to provide their record or they can refuse and let the employer assume the worst. While technically an employer is not supposed to ask these questions, it is a reality that they do.

Given what is at stake, and given that there are often effective ways to address criminal charges against a young person, it is important to ensure that your son or daughter has excellent legal representation.