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

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/12/2010


Question
I  have just finished the law enforcement academy and have just passed my state test I tried to get in to the guard but was turned
away because I got arrested almost 18 years ago the state dismissed
the charges but I have withheld adjudication on my record since the
case was dismissed and I was not convicted what can I do to fix my
record to reflect this how is it I can be a cop but not a soldier
you can't have a felony conviction and be a cop in florida
I can't get a pardon because you have to be convicted of a crime
being a soldier has always been my dream but I need some advice
on how to fix this will expungement work or something else
it,s like the army won,t let me in because I could have been convicted it was the first and last time I was ever in trouble
I was a stand out in the academy I want to do the same in the army

Answer
if the charges were dropped because of good beahvior, probabtion completion or taking a class, then the military counts it a guilty, because you did the crime and had to do something to get it dismissed.  If it was nolle prosse or not guilty, then you are fine.  Ask the recruiter to explain why it is not fine, it is usually one of those.

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.