Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am 32 years old married with three kids. I would like to know how do i go about geting a waiver. I was 16 years old and recieved 2 felonies went to boot camp in 1992. It has been over 15 years and i havent been convicted of anything since .Im in school for my diploma . I just need help so that i can serve my country and provide for my family,any information will be greatly appeciated .Thank You Mr.Walker

ANSWER: Dear Kedrick --

I recommend you first visit the court and see if you can get your record expunged, or sealed.  It is possible you can do that because your convictions are so old.  Also since you were 16, you may be able to get them expunged as juvenile records.

If you can get the records expunged, you can enlist with no problem.  Usually the self reporting of transgressions goes back to 18 years old or ten years in the past whichever is a longer period of time.  Since you were younger than 18 and that was more than ten years ago, you should be fine.

If you cannot get your record cleared, you can talk with a recruiter and discuss whether your convictions are waiverable.  The recruiter should help you with a waiver package, if you are otherwise qualified to serve, and your transgressions can be waivered.

Please write back, if you need more details, or further clarification on any point.

Good luck to you and your family.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: first of all thank you.forgot to tee you that the courts tried me as an adult at that age an d sentenced me under the southcarolina youthfull offenders act and if i do get it expunged do i still tell the recruiter so that it can be waived. THANK YOU Mr.Walker

Answer
Dear Kedrick --

Yes, let the recruiter know your entire history, UNLESS they ask for only the last 10 years, or after you turned 18 years old.  If they ask "have you ever been..." with no time limits, tell them of your conviction and show them the paperwork where you got your crime expunged.

Good luck to you.