Expert: James Bell - 3/5/2008

Question
i asked a question to another expert and was refered to you. I have been working with a Navy recruiter tryin to enlist. I have criminal charges that have been dropped, he didnt know if they would disqualify me being as they were dropped. He faxed my history to his Senior Chief, who didnt know either. Now it is being faxed to the meps processing to see if they will accept it. Just wondering if you know weather or not a dismissed criminal charge can affect my chances of getting in. Thanks alot.

Dan

Answer
Dan -

Although this isn't my particular area of expertise, I can give you my (very) personal experience on this.  Many, many, many years ago, just prior to my 18th birthday, I got stupid with some friends.  An expensive window was broken, and we were all charged with felony mischief (the window was priced just above $200).  We made restitution and the charges were dropped.

Although the felony arrest showed up on my record a couple of years later when they did my background check for the Air Force, I was told that an arrest meant nothing.  People get arrested all the time, and nothing becomes of it.  A conviction is what means something.  If the charges were dropped, as they were with me, it shouldn't amount to anything.  I went on to serve for 24 years, aircrewed three different aircraft in two career fields, held a Top Secret clearance, and finished my career as a senior non-commissioned officer.  Of our group of four that were arrested, three of us joined the military ... two in the Air Force and one in the Army.  The other Air Force guy went on to become an air traffic controller.

Granted, my arrest was thirty years ago.  I can't speak for how things may have changed, but that was the case with me.  I hope this gives you a little bit of encouragement to push ahead to realize your dream.

Sincerely,
James Bell