What obligation do I have to disclose this on a college financial aid or job application since I was told that my juvenile record is sealed and that my conviction will not turn up on a background check?
This individual was not “convicted of theft in juvenile court” when he/she was fourteen. The correct legal terminology wherein there is a finding of guilt against a juvenile in Superior Court-Family Part (Juvenile Justice) is an adjudication of delinquency. This is not a criminal conviction. As a matter of law, juveniles are not convicted of crimes or criminal offense unless they’re matters are “waived up” to Criminal Part due to the seriousness of the charge.
A juvenile record is sealed. However, there is no ability to answer the question as to disclosure on a financial aid or job application until an attorney is presented said application for review. By definition, said applications vary concerning the specific information that is sought from the applicant.
Finally, an adjudication of juvenile delinquency will not show up on criminal background check since it is not a criminal conviction.