Expert: William Payne - 10/15/2006

Question
Hello sir, my name is David Kim and I'm 22 years old working on my associates in Criminal Justice at American Continental University.

In 2003 I was involved in a self defense act but the guy got hurt pretty bad and recently I got charged with 2nd degree Aggravated Assault with deadly weapon.  I got 10 years probation and that prevents me from joining the Army Reserve and my plans on joining the ROTC next year after I complete my associates.  I wanted to expand my law enforcement career to Secret Service but everything looks so dark..  My credit is pretty bad too but that is something I can fix later.  But I believe a felony can not be fixed..  

So my questions for you are..

Is there anything I can do to get the felony off my record?

If not, can i retry the trial?  (My witness lied)

If not both, what can i do with a felony in the law enforcement career?

Are my military dreams over?


*ps:  If it comes down to it, I would like to be a police officer or a detective and be a S.W.A.T.  I plan to join a small police department that has a S.W.A.T team so my chances are greater.. But I'm a felon!  Life has too many obstacles... Thanks for your time sir!


Answer
Mr. Kim,

Thanks for the question!

First of all, if it was an act of self-defense, why were you even charged with a crime? Did you possibly go overboard in defending yourself?

If you have been wrongly accused, you should speak to an attorney about possibly appealing your case (if the attorney can find something to appeal. Trial error, civil rights violations, and etc.)

You can also request a pardon.

I can't speak for all police agencies, but no police agency in South Carolina will accept a convicted Felon. No agency will even accept a misdemeanor conviction as long as the person is still on probation.

I don't have an answer as far as the military is concerned,but you can always check with a recruiter in your area.


Good Luck!