Because a juvenile who is convicted of a crime is classified as a juvenile offender rather than a criminal, some people discount the seriousness of a juvenile record and it's affect on a child's future. However, a juvenile record can have a real and dramatic affect on a child. To begin with, if a juvenile repeatedly commits crimes, he or she may eventually be tried as an adult even though still a minor. Also, if an adult should be accused of a crime, his or her juvenile record may be considered by the court when determining an appropriate sentence. The courts do, however, offer certain protection. Juvenile records may be examined only by the court and the parties involved. In many states all juvenile records are sealed unless a juvenile court orders them opened. Often juvenile records are expunged, that is, all records of the charges or judgments against a minor are destroyed and are considered never to have happened. Expungement usually takes place after a request has been made or a petition is filed with the court by the juvenile offender, if now an adult, or by his or her guardian. Again, while juvenile offenses may or may not be serious, they can impact a child's future and immediate freedom. For more information, talk with an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area of the law.