Q: If a juvenile pleads guilty or is found guilty, will they have a record?

A: Juvenile admissions of guilt or findings of guilt are confidential and not subject to discovery. Additionally, all proceedings in the Juvenile part are closed to the public and conducted in private. The shadow of a criminal record clearly isn’t as profound as it would be in adult court although there are limited circumstances where it can pose an obstacle (e.g. obtaining a position in law enforcement). It is therefore always best that you hire a knowledgeable juvenile criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey if your child is facing criminal charges.