Criminal Justice folks: An Embarassing Question...

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by LJam4U, May 19, 2006.

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  1. LJam4U

    LJam4U New Member

    Hi all,

    I'm still trying to decide what to enroll in. I was looking into Paralegal programs, but I didn't come across anything that didn't cost an arm, leg, and my firstborn child. Now, I've decided to stick with distance education in my State ($83 per credit INCLUDING technology fees... can't beat that!), and I've basically decided to either go into Criminal Justice or Business (the only other offerings are Education and Liberal Studies, and I refuse to stick with education track after having subbed).

    Anyhow, here's the somewhat embarassing question: when I was 16 (17?), I got into some trouble. I was charged with Assault (with a deadly non-firearm weapon) and Vandalism. The case was dismissed (and I paid for the window I broke :eek: ), but it still shows on my record. Is this cause to NOT go into any kind of Criminal Justice program because my record may hinder me in the future? The incident was a wake-up call for me, and afterwards I turned my life around completely, but I understand that for some other people that isn't enough.. I've thought about doing some Youth work because I've always felt that my life story could be used for some good, but I'm not going to bother if that record is going to render a degree in Criminal Justice useless.

    Thanks for any answers on this... It will help in deciding whether to go into Criminal Justice or into a Business program.

    ETA: Just found a state Criminal Justice degree that has 3 credit courses for $180! Fayetteville State University at Fort Bragg...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 19, 2006
  2. SMAS

    SMAS New Member

    I wouldn't get brain damage over the incident. The Background Investigation is really a job suitability investigation. First, tell the truth on applications - if you do that, this should be a non-issue. If you dont tell a potential employer and they find out, that is the end of the line. Second, has the behavior repeated itself? If no, then you should be good to go.

    Bottom line, tell the truth to a potential employer and don't do it again. You shouldn't have any problems whatsoever, based on what you've written so far.

    Hope that helps.
     
  3. Mighty_Tiki

    Mighty_Tiki Member

    Bruce...?

    I am by far no expert on this which is why you should appeal to Bruce if he is still around...but, as long as it wasn't felony assault and was on your juvenile record it would not matter too much to a job. While they are still going to do a background check, your juvenile records should be sealed as long as your not a repeat offender or anything. Also you say the case was dismissed so all that can show is that you were arrested but not convicted. ( I think) Nosbourne ? I wouldn't worry too much, all they can say is no anyway.
     
  4. cederic824

    cederic824 New Member

    Contact the court in which the original charges were filled and ask them if you would be able to file an order to have those charges expunged from your record. I'll bet you can.
     
  5. SMAS

    SMAS New Member

    EVEN if it is expunged, mention it to the BI Investigator. They will find out by talking to friends, neighbors, etc. If you conceal it, you won't get the job and it will be tantemount to terminating any chance of employment with any sister agency. I wouldn't gamble with the "its not on the record, don't say a thing". Plus, you were 17 -- it should be a NON-ISSUE as long as you tell the truth.

    However, this is my experience from the Feds. Locals might be otherwise. FWIW.
     
  6. JH50

    JH50 Member

    As has been stated and in my experience (mid-size city) your arrest will not count against you, as long as you were not convicted of a felony and you have had no arrests since the incident. Everyone makes mistakes. The issue becomes did you learn from the mistake, which sounds like you did. Make sure you are honest and upfront with a potential employer down the line about the arrest, however.
     
  7. Not a career-stopper if you're honest about it. "I did something stupid, I took responsibility for it, and I learned from it" is a much better theme when explaining it to background investigators and oral boards then "It wasn't a big deal."

    As others have noted, tell the truth, no matter what. I'll go the extra mile to help out somebody who's got a blemish or two but is forthright about it. Liars, on the other hand, get thrown to the alligators, and get thrown there with considerable glee.
     
  8. BruceP

    BruceP Member

    1. Do not assume that the record is sealed because it happened when you were a minor. Each state is different. Contact the court where it happened and ask them how to seal the record. However, even after the record is sealed you will still have to disclose it on your law enforcement applications... sealing the record stops people from prying into your old business... but failing to disclose it on an application... even after having the record sealed... will definitely kill your chances.

    2. Be totally up-front with this event on any application for law enforcement (and corrections) employment... the background investigations can be very thorough and if you fail to mention it your application will usually be rejected without any further consideration.

    3. Many people make mistakes as kids... you'd be surprised actaully at the things that are overlooked when they are properly disclosed and there is no further conduct.

    4. Most departments use a polygraph to screen for trouble. Expect to get a question or three relating to this event and your conduct afterwards.

    Honesty pays off in this regard. Tell them everything that they want to know. Don't withhold anything.

    Best of luck!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 20, 2006
  9. LJam4U

    LJam4U New Member

    Thanks!

    Thanks to every one of you that responded. I will look into the expunging issue, and I will be sure to tell the truth if I do indeed decide to go into the CJ field (I am leaning more towards it than Business admittedly). I did a search about our local Gov't positions, and there is a need for Youth services. I feel that with my background and the fact that I went from a really bad situation to success, that I could "relate" more to the younger folks in such positions. Perhaps something good really can come out of my mistakes and horrible childhood.


    Thanks again!:)
     

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