One could argue that the way a statement is worded will tell you what/how much to disclose; however, when it comes to a background investigation for a prospective position of employment with law enforcement, failing to disclose something simple could ruin your chances of current or future employment.

If you have any convictions on your record, as a juvenile or as an adult, you might want to touch base with your attorney to see what details should be disclosed, and how to phrase them. Some questions on an application may ask, "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" or "Have you ever been taken into custody, charged with a crime, arrested, etc.?" One of my question I was asked concerning a temporary clearance was, "How often have you come into contact with law enforcement over the last year?" I was working in a prison, so I disclosed it all rather than not take it seriously.

If a record has been sealed or expunged, it begs the question, "What does this person not want us to know?" If your sealed record is a crime of moral turpitude, I don't know. Were you convicted? If you were 14, how many years have passed and has your behavior demonstrated that you have become a mature adult who has learned from his/her mistakes.

Illicit drug use may be a red flag depending on the circumstances. I don't know if your "one time" use is true or not, but I personally don't believe it. Rarely is it just one time. Fed law enforcement has rules on how many years must pass after certain drugs have been used before they may be considered for a position. They recognize that people make bad decisions, but they don't necessarily hold those bad decisions over your head the rest of your life. The longer it has been since your last use, the better. Drug charges may be dealbreakers.

whatever agency you're interested in should have their application process online, as well as their background checks.