Source
r/AskLEO•
dotoneone

Had a misdemeanor at 14-15, want to join Law Enforcement

Hiring process

From California.

So as the title goes, I was charged with a misdemeanor (vandalism) at around 14-15 years of age. Long story short, I was with a friend who broke a street light and I turned myself in.

I took an ABC (accountability builds character) class + did some volunteer hours + had my records sealed. I was also told in my ABC class that once that happened (records sealed), if anyone asked if I had been convicted of a prior offense, I wouldn't have to say 'yes'.

I'm 24 now with no other offenses since then, graduated college, and am considering military / being a police officer - do I still have a chance?

If so, do I have to answer 'yes' when they ask me about prior misdemeanors? Or can I truthfully say 'no'?

Thank you in advance.

Posted Jan 16, 2016, 4:16 AM UTC

1512
Parrothead1970School Resource Sergeant•

If an agency judges a 24 year old man by his actions as a 14 year old, you don't want to work for them.

14
ElpolloblancoPolice Officer•

Your best bet is to answer yes. The PHS goes back 10 years I believe, but if you're ever asked about it be open and honest. It was 10 years ago and you obviously learned from it. It's better to take ownership of it than try to sweep it under the rug. I highly doubt that a Juvenile 594 charge would disqualify you. Trying to hide it though? If found out that's instant DQ.

Edit: I'd like to add, as far as military is concerned the same applies. It's better to tell them what happened than have them find out later. This is even more true if you're getting Into something that requires a security clearance. I processed them in the Navy and several times I watched good candidates get rejected because they failed to disclose information.

8
shards_of_hope•

An expansive background check covers your juvenile history, a polygraph will also bring up that stuff to if you're being honest.

5
Johnsu•

If your record is sealed, youre fine.

3
brosephus21•

Shouldn't be a big deal, still answer yes though. 10 years is a lot of time to build character, mature, and if you've kept your nose clean after one stupid mistake as a kid that wouldn't be an issue. Not disclosing it would.

2
urmombaconsmynarwhalBorder Patrol•

I've been arrested twice on similarly minor things. You good. Just list it in application papers

2
Metallicock3000•

I had a similar thing happen a month before I joined the military, got drunk, smashed a window. I just went to the careers centre and explained it was an error in judgement and nothing else became of it. I was also asked if I had taken drugs, I answered I had smoked weed a year prior. He just explained the Navy attitude to drugs (zero tolerance). Been in 13 years now.

2
NESBayarea•

so you lied?

-1
Metallicock3000•

No? I told him the truth about everything. Best to be honest, but then at the same time I didn't know what to expect with stuff like drug tests etc and was 19 and naive. It turned out they didn't give a shit what you did before the date you joined, then you had random drug tests thereafter.

2
NESBayarea•

oh gotcha

1
NashCopPolice Officer•

Definitely answer yes. It's a minor offense that you took responsibility for and you've had no other issues. I can't imagine it being a problem for any agency.

2
[deleted]•

[removed]

-4