Expert: n/a - 9/9/2008

Question
Hi there,



my name is April Hyatt, and I have some questions for you. When I was 18, (12 years ago) I was driving a car on halloween night, and the passenger in my vehicle took a 11yo boys candy from him. I was charged for this crime with Robbery in the 2nd degree. Apparently this is classified as a Class B Felony, and All my civil rights were taken away due to this. I ended up paying Legal fines/court costs $1200. Last year, I petitioned the court for a certificate/order of discharge. When I did this, I was not aware that I needed to ask for my right to bear arms to be restored in that petition as well.



Therein lies the problem. I want to join the Army reserves to be an operating room specialist. I was going thru the motions to do so, but with one minor obstacle to overcome left. Apparently I cannot join the military or even go into basic training (which would be the ONLY place I'd be even shooting a gun) without my right to bear arms being returned/restored. Is there anything at all I can do to make that happen?

Answer
That is not true,  You need for your recruiter to put in a waiver request.  If it's turned down by the MEPS Commander he will tell you why at the interview.  Then you follow his or her instructions.  The Military can over ride any conviction with a waiver.


Good Luck