Connecticut Juvenile Arrest and College Applications

If your child was arrested as a minor, one of the first questions parents ask is: “Will this affect their chances of getting into college?”

The short answer is: not necessarily — especially if you act quickly and work with a skilled juvenile defense attorney who understands how Connecticut’s juvenile system works. Juvenile records are confidential and can often be erased, but knowing the rules — and navigating them correctly — is crucial to protecting your child’s future.

What Is a Juvenile Record?

A juvenile record is created when someone under 18 is accused of breaking the law. These records belong to the Juvenile Court and can include arrests, complaints, petitions, and court orders.

There are three main types of records in Connecticut:

1. Juvenile Record – For minors under 18 found delinquent or accused of violating a law.
2. Youthful Offender (YO) Record – A special confidential status for 15–17-year-olds charged in adult court for certain crimes.
3. Adult Record – Publicly accessible and visible to anyone, including colleges and employers.

Working with a skilled juvenile defense lawyer helps ensure that, wherever possible, your child’s case remains in juvenile court — where records are confidential and focused on rehabilitation, not punishment.

Are Juvenile Records Confidential?

Yes — Connecticut law keeps juvenile and Youthful Offender records confidential. They cannot be accessed by the public, including colleges or most employers. However, certain people and agencies may still see them, such as:

• Court and law enforcement officials
• Federal or state agencies involved in the case
• Victims or organizations providing youth services (like DCF or community bureaus)
• The DMV, for certain motor vehicle offenses
• Certain military personnel

How to Erase a Juvenile Record (Record Erasure)

You or your parent/guardian can file a petition with the Juvenile Court to erase your record if all of the following are true:

1. You are at least 18 years old
2. Two years have passed since your conviction (or four years for a serious juvenile offense)
3. No new juvenile or adult charges are pending
4. No new convictions have occurred

There is no cost to file this petition. If you meet the criteria, the court must erase all records — including arrests, complaints, reports, and orders. Once erased, you are legally considered never to have been arrested or adjudicated delinquent.

If your case was:

• Dismissed: Records are erased automatically.
• Nollied (not prosecuted): Records are erased after 13 months with no other pending charges.
• Still within the waiting period: You can ask for a court hearing to show good cause for early erasure.

Why Erasing a Juvenile Record Matters for College Applicants

Even though juvenile records are confidential, there are still practical reasons to erase them — especially if your child plans to apply to college, scholarships, the military, or government jobs.

Here’s why:

• Certain agencies and recruiters may still require disclosure of any juvenile offenses.
• Records can be accidentally shared or misreported.
• A clean record prevents confusion during background checks or professional licensing.
• Erasure offers peace of mind and total closure.
• It reduces the mental toll the arrest had on the child

Erasing a juvenile record is quick, free, and permanent — giving your child a genuine clean slate before college.

What Colleges See (and Don’t See)

Generally, colleges do not access juvenile or Youthful Offender records. Applications such as the Common App ask about adult convictions — not juvenile adjudications. If your child’s record has been erased, they can truthfully answer “No” to questions about prior arrests or convictions.

In Connecticut, a juvenile can be adjudicated in a Juvenile Matters Court but not convicted. This process differs from a traditional conviction. Thus, if asked whether your child has been convicted, you can confidently answer no if they have never been adjudicated.

Still, every case is different. A skilled Connecticut juvenile defense attorney can guide your family on how to handle disclosure questions honestly while protecting your child’s rights and reputation.

Why You Should Work with a Connecticut Juvenile Defense Attorney

While some families try to handle juvenile cases alone, the stakes are too high when your child’s education and future are on the line. A skilled attorney can:

• Protect your child from being charged as an adult
• Pursue dismissals or diversions that prevent records from forming
• File timely petitions for erasure once eligibility is met
• Communicate effectively with probation officers, schools, and colleges
• Ensure all paperwork and court steps are handled properly

At Flannery Law, our team of Connecticut juvenile defense attorneys has helped numerous families navigate these sensitive cases with care and discretion. You can read more about our past results and client testimonials here. Every case is unique, and individual results will vary depending on the facts, charges, and circumstances involved — but our commitment to protecting each child’s future never changes.

Key Takeaways

• Juvenile and YO records are confidential, but can still carry consequences if not erased.
• You can petition the court to erase your record for free if you meet age and time requirements.
• Colleges generally cannot see juvenile records, especially once erased.
• A knowledgeable attorney ensures proper handling and full protection of your child’s rights.
• Results depend on individual factors, but legal representation dramatically improves outcomes.

Protect Your Child’s Future – Talk to a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

If your child was arrested in Connecticut, don’t wait until it affects their education or career. Our Flannery Law juvenile defense team is here to help you understand your options, protect your child’s confidentiality, and guide you through the record-erasure process.

Schedule a confidential consultation today to protect your child’s future.