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Careers: Police/Felony conviction or not?

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Expert: - 10/25/2006


Question
I am 28 but when I was 18 I was charged with possession marijuana with intent to distribute, intro to contraband to state facility.  Both were felonies.  I recently ran a background check on myself and it showed the two charges but adjudication was suspended.  Does this make a difference if I want to get a decent job? what jobs am I capable of applying for? this is very discouraging and it's became a barrier in my career choices.  I would hate for my life to be screwed when it has been ten years since I have been in trouble.


Answer
   I am not clear on whether you were convicted, plead guilty or what happened.  Either way you have two felony arrests on your criminal record and now it has taken ten years before you have been concerned about it.  It is probably too late to do anything about it, especially if you were convicted, but call an attorney to make sure.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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