My seventeen year old son was charged and arrested for theft under 5000 . He admitted to stealing hardware from a computer at his job. He is to appear in court in several weeks and will be fingerprinted. I have already hired a lawyer but my question is since he is under eighteen how long will his youth record be in effect. Just until he is eighteen?When he looks for another job after he turns eighteen does he have to say on the applications that he was charged of a crime. Im assuming he will get probation or community service since this is his first offense. Also , how does this affect going across the border to the States?Will he be able to go with the family for cross border shopping? Once he turns eighteen will his youth record show up at the border crossings?Should he apply for a pardon?Thank-you for any advice.

First question to the attorney is he being charged as a adult or a Juv. At 17 it is not always clear.