Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/19/2008

Question
I was arrested for OWI and Assault in college but was not convicted of any of these charges.  I finished probation to get rid of my assault charge.  What are my chances of getting into OCS or enlisted after i get my degree?

Answer
Dear Josh --

I am not certain what you mean by "get rid of my assault charge."

Your OWI offense is waiverable.  If your assault offense has been expunged, then that is waiverable also.  If your probation was due to an assault conviction, and you served probation in lieu of going to jail, then that is less likely to be waiverable, but a waiver is still possible.

The offense will have to be far enough in your past, so that you have plenty of credible evidence, based on recent achievements, to show you are no longer likely to behave criminally.

So enlistment is highly possible.  Your degree will make you a high quality candidate, but your criminal charges will reduce your quality.  It will be up to you to paint a truthful picture of yourself that indicates likelihood of good behavior and a desire for achievement in the future.  OCS as a rider on your enlistment contract is less likely.  However, once you have served honorably and well for one tour, you should be eligible to apply for OCS.  Then your military record will speak for you, and you won't have to worry about your prior wrong-doing.

Good luck keeping yourself straight, and graduating from college.  I hope you earn a chance to serve in the military.