my criminal history

[john-y]

In 1996, when I was 21, I lived with 4 other guys. We hosted a large house party where people under the age of 17 were allegedly drinking.

The following day, the police arrived and asked us about the incident – specifically – they wanted to know who served the minors alcohol.

The police stated that if somebody admitted to serving the alcohol, it wouldn’t be a “big deal”. Otherwise, we would all be charged. We maintained that they brought the alcohol themselves but were subsequently arrested for “endangering the welfare of a child”. Everyone that lived in the house was arrested.

I eventually accepted a deal to plead guilty to “disorderly conduct”, served 8 hours of community service, got an ACD, and had a 1 year order of protection from the other minors. These terms were fine with me at the time….. I believe my other 4 co-defendants received similar terms (nobody was convicted).

6 months prior to this incident, I was also arrested for possession of an alcoholic beverage (before I was 21). I paid a $50 fine (I believe this was also disorderly conduct).

Since the latter arrest, I have had no other run-ins with the law.

Now – at the age of 34 – my wife and I are looking to adopt a child. I am highly embarrassed and ashamed of my error in judgment – and – deeply concerned this will affect our chances of adopting. Within a few months after the arrest, I dis-associated myself with this group and have gone on to lead a productive (and crime free) life.

My question is - how will this charge affect our ability to adopt? I know you guys aren't adoption experts - I guess I'm confused as to the difference between a "charge" and a "conviction". And - also - how pleading guilty to dis. con. reflects an admission that I was, in fact, guilty of something. Does the fact that I was "charged" look very negatively on me? Or - since I wasn't convicted - is it not looked at so negatively?

Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

[retdetsgt]

Only a case worker can say for sure. The police have nothing to do with things like that. But I seriously doubt it will be a problem after this many years as long as you have had no problems since.....

[john-y]

Thanks for the response...I would appreciate any insight (from anyone here) on the opinion you would make (of me) based on these facts. Was I just another stupid kid that made a mistake? Would you figure I haven't changed?

Does it cast doubt of my ability to be a responsible parent (or would you expect I would tolerate/encourage) the behavior I participated in?

Please - judge me...someone else is going to - might as well know what to expect.

[mcsap]

So were they allegedly drinking or were they drinking ?

Seems like you are STILL denying responsibility for what happened.

[john-y]

Fair point about STILL denying responsibility - I am positive they were drinking but the details of that night are very sketchy (a-I've tried to block it out, b-I'm sure I was drunk).

It is really hard to admit I did something that today - I find very shamefull and embarassing. Much easier to say "I was accused of this, but it was never proven to be true" than to say "kids were drinking at my house".

[john-y]

Fair point about STILL denying responsibility - I am positive they were drinking but the details of that night are very sketchy (a-I've tried to block it out, b-I'm sure I was drunk).

It is really hard to admit I did something that today - I find very shamefull and embarassing. Much easier to say "I was accused of this, but it was never proven to be true" than to say "kids were drinking at my house".

Also - I just found out I did not get an ACD... It was a conditional discharge.