How Juvenile Offenses Can Affect Future Opportunities in Tennessee

A juvenile offense in Tennessee can have lasting effects on a young person’s future. Although the juvenile justice system is designed to offer a chance for rehabilitation, the consequences of a criminal charge as a teenager can reach far beyond the courtroom. Many young people don’t fully understand the long-term impact of their actions or the potential challenges they may face as a result of a conviction. Understanding how juvenile offenses can affect future opportunities is crucial for both the teenager and their family.

This blog will explore the possible long-term effects of juvenile offenses in Tennessee, including how these charges can impact education, employment, and other aspects of adult life.

The Juvenile Justice System in Tennessee

In Tennessee, minors under the age of 18 are generally processed through the juvenile justice system rather than the adult criminal system. The goal is to rehabilitate rather than punish. However, this does not mean that a juvenile conviction has no consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, a juvenile may face a range of penalties, from probation and community service to time in a juvenile detention center. The specifics will depend on factors like the type of offense, the minor’s previous record, and the judge’s assessment of their potential for rehabilitation.

While juveniles are treated differently from adults, there are still potential long-term consequences to consider, especially as the individual transitions into adulthood.

Impact on Educational Opportunities

One of the most significant areas where juvenile offenses can affect future opportunities is education. While most schools will not automatically reject a student based on a juvenile record, certain situations can make it more difficult for a young person to continue their education as they grow older.

• College Admissions: When applying for college, a criminal record can create complications. Many colleges and universities ask applicants about criminal history, and even though this may be less common for juvenile offenses, it can still come up during background checks. Some schools may choose not to admit a student with a history of serious offenses, particularly those involving violence or drugs. For those applying for scholarships, certain grants, or financial aid, a criminal record can also be a disqualifying factor.
• Expulsion or Suspension: In some cases, a juvenile offense can result in school disciplinary actions, such as suspension or expulsion. This can lead to gaps in a student’s education, affecting their ability to graduate on time or participate in extracurricular activities that help with college applications.
• Special Education Needs: If a juvenile offense leads to significant behavioral problems, the individual may require special education services or alternative educational programs. These programs are designed to help students who have trouble succeeding in traditional school settings. While they can be valuable, they can also be seen as a negative mark on a student’s academic record, which could affect future educational opportunities.

Employment Challenges

As juveniles grow into adulthood, their criminal history may come up during job searches. Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and while juvenile offenses are sealed in many cases, there are exceptions. Depending on the nature of the offense, it could impact a young person’s ability to find work, especially in fields requiring trust or responsibility.

• Employment Background Checks: In Tennessee, most juvenile records are confidential and cannot be accessed without permission. However, there are exceptions, particularly for more serious crimes or if the juvenile was transferred to adult court. Even if the offense is sealed, employers in certain industries, such as law enforcement, healthcare, or financial services, may still be able to view it. A criminal history could make it harder for someone to secure employment in these fields.
• Discrimination: While laws exist to prevent discrimination based on criminal history, some employers may still be hesitant to hire someone with a juvenile offense. Even if the offense occurred years ago, it can influence the employer’s perception of the individual’s character and reliability. In competitive job markets, an applicant with a criminal record may face additional barriers when compared to applicants without one.
• Professional Licenses: Some careers require a professional license, such as those in healthcare, law, or education. A juvenile offense, particularly one involving moral turpitude (e.g., theft, assault, or drug-related offenses), can prevent a person from obtaining the necessary license for their chosen career. Many licensing boards will conduct background checks, and even if the offense was committed as a juvenile, it could disqualify the individual.

Effects on Housing

A juvenile offense can also affect housing opportunities later in life. Landlords and property managers often conduct background checks before renting to tenants. While many juvenile offenses may not show up on a background check due to state laws protecting the confidentiality of such records, there are cases where a past conviction could still surface.

• Rental Applications: If an individual has a record of serious juvenile offenses, particularly those involving violence or theft, it could make it more difficult to find a rental property. Property owners may be hesitant to rent to someone with a criminal background, especially if they feel the individual may pose a risk to other tenants.
• Public Housing and Section 8: For individuals seeking public housing or Section 8 assistance, a criminal record may be disqualifying. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allows housing authorities to deny assistance to individuals with certain criminal histories, including convictions for drug-related offenses, violent crimes, or crimes involving weapons.

Social and Emotional Impact

The long-term emotional impact of a juvenile offense can also affect future opportunities. Individuals who are convicted of a crime as a teenager may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can have a ripple effect throughout their lives.

• Family and Peer Relationships: A juvenile offense can strain relationships with family members and peers. Family members may feel disappointed or frustrated, and peers may distance themselves. This social isolation can impact emotional well-being and create a barrier to future success.
• Mental Health Concerns: The stress of going through the juvenile justice system, coupled with the potential stigma of a criminal record, can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These issues can further complicate an individual’s efforts to succeed in education, employment, or relationships.

The Importance of Juvenile Defense

While juvenile offenses can have serious consequences, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate their impact. The first and most important step is to seek experienced legal representation. A criminal defense attorney who understands Tennessee’s juvenile justice system can help minimize the impact of charges, ensuring that the young person receives the best possible outcome.

• Diversion Programs: In some cases, a defense attorney may be able to secure a diversion program, where the juvenile can complete community service or counseling in exchange for the charges being dismissed. These programs can allow the young person to avoid a conviction and the long-term consequences that come with it.
• Expungement: In Tennessee, some juvenile offenses can be expunged, or removed from the individual’s criminal record, after a certain period of time. If successful, expungement can help the young person avoid the lasting impact of their offense, such as difficulties in education, employment, and housing.

Conclusion

A juvenile offense in Tennessee can have lasting consequences on an individual’s future opportunities. While the juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate rather than punish, the impact of a criminal record can still be significant in areas like education, employment, and housing. It’s crucial to understand the potential long-term effects of juvenile offenses and take proactive steps to mitigate these consequences. Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case and help protect a young person’s future.