Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/26/2009

Question
Hello my name is Chris, I am prior service NAVY and a college student finishing up my associate's this summer, I already had my commencement, and on my way to the coast guard when I was picked up for an F12020 for a possession of brass knuckles. My only conviction, and I could probably get it reduced to a misdemeanor.. I want to still go in to the coast guard but is it likely, if I score well on my asvab?

Answer
Dear Chris -

It's unfortunate that your crime occurred when it did.  You should still be able to enlist in the Coast Guard, but now you will need a waiver.  That means you will be a "lower quality" recruit than you otherwise might have been.  An associate's degree and good ASVAB scores usually makes someone a very high quality recruit.

Whether your crime remains a felony or becomes a misdemeanor, you will need a waiver.  But a misdemeanor waiver is easier to come by than a felony waiver.  If you can get the charges dropped, or do community service and get your record expunged, then you could increase your "quality" as a recruit.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.