One of the most dangerous myths in the security clearance process is that juvenile records "don't count" or are "invisible" once sealed by a state court. In 2026, federal background investigators have access to databases that bypass state-level sealing. If you rely on the advice of a criminal lawyer who told you your record is "gone," you may be walking into a Guideline E (Personal Conduct) revocation.

Federal Disclosure vs. State Sealing

When you sign the release forms for your SF-86 (e-App), you are granting the federal government permission to look into every corner of your past. State laws regarding the "sealing" of juvenile records do not apply to federal national security investigations.

The Disclosure Rule: If the question asks if you have ever been arrested or charged, "No" is a false statement if a juvenile incident exists—even if a judge told you it was removed from your record.

Mitigating "Youthful Indiscretions"

The good news is that the Whole Person Concept explicitly considers your age and maturity at the time of the conduct. Adjudicators are generally forgiving of juvenile mistakes as long as you are honest about them.

We help clients frame juvenile records by focusing on:

Rehabilitation: Proving that the behavior was an isolated incident of youth.
The Passage of Time: Highlighting years of subsequent law-abiding behavior.
Proactive Disclosure: Drafting the explanation in a way that demonstrates high integrity and candor.

Why You Need a Clearance Attorney, Not Just a Criminal Lawyer

A criminal defense attorney’s job is to get a record sealed so you can tell private employers it doesn't exist. A security clearance attorney's job is to protect your career from the federal consequences of that sealing. ---

If you require assistance with your security clearance, please get in touch with the Security Clearance Professionals. You can call us at (904) 884-5891 or send an email to asya@securityclearancepro.com.