Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Misdemeanor Family Violence dismissed

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/16/2009


Question
I am currently finished putting my packet together for Army OCS. 7 years ago I was charged with assault on family member causing bodily injury (scratch on husband face, which police report states) Class A misdemeanor.  My husband and I had to go to conflict resolution marriage counseling and the charges were dismissed and I did not pay a fine or receive probation. My husband wrote a statement stating that he was the aggressor and I was defending myself, but since he had a "scratch" I got charged.  I have taught school for 5 years since then, received my MS in Biology and never been in trouble with the law.  What are my chances of getting a waiver or this incident not falling under Launtenburg amendment?  Thank You

Answer
That's a tough one, since you went to classes, then dismissed, it is viewed as "adverse disposition" meaning it was only dropped because of the completion of classes.  legally it was dismissed, but the military views it different.  It is unfair, but that is the system they use.  If it is rejected, file a complaint with your congressman that they view a dismissed charge as guilty.  You may see results.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.