A Juvenile Felony That Haunts Me

[jsc]

This may be asked a lot but after digging through hundreds of pages and forum threads about this topic, I can't seem to get the answer I'm looking for. First off, when I was 15 years old, I was charged with Burglary, 2nd Degree and Property Damage of between $2000-$9000. My friend and I made the mistake of vandalizing homes that were under construction (don't worry, we didn't break into a current resident's home). Fortunately, we were only sentenced 6 months probation and 50 hours of community service, which I completed as soon as possible.

The courts agreed to have my juvenile records expunged at age 18, which they were. Obviously my civil rights were restored as I'm now a proud gun owner but that is besides the point. To my understanding, the felony I committed is still accessible to any law enforcement agency I apply to. Furthermore, according to AZPOST, I should, "Not have been convicted of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona."

Now then, I am all for telling the truth and I have full documentation to provide evidence of the felony I committed and that I was expunged at age 18. Obviously, LE agencies in Arizona hire by AZPOST standards so would I pretty much be out in the rain on this one? I have no further felony or misdemeanor convictions after that one, I've never touched a drug in my life, and my driving record is a sliver below perfect. It's been 7 years since that day as well. So do you think I'd be disqualified?

[retdetsgt]

Depends on the state. In some states, expunged means sealed and LE can have access. In others, the record is destroyed and you can legally claim you have never been arrested.

I would contact an attorney in your state to see what you should do.

Your other option is to apply, tell what happened and see what they say. In some states, juvenile stuff can be forgiven.

[Joeyd6]

Kids do stupid things. if you have gone 7 years and been a model citizen, I would grab a volunteer position (EMS or fire department) whihc shows you are trustworthy and dedicated to public service. If you did that and walked into the NYPD saying your were stupid and realize what you did was wrong, regret it and have done a,b,c,1,2,3 since then, you would be fine.

[Outshined]

Well I went from the womb to 23 without being arrested for anything or attempting to prey on anyone around me. I did this because it is the right thing to do. My parents taught me that.

With that said you probably could still apply and be an officer in New York.

Before anyone asks, I got hired at 23.

[retdetsgt]

It would be a toss up with my old department. Even though you were young and all, it was a felony, not something like shoplifting a candy bar or something.

I would just say give it a shot. If one turns you down, try some others. It's free to apply.

[jsc]

Thanks for the replies. I noted my juvenile felony on my pre-screen application and I took the written test about a week or two ago. There were thousands of applicants taking the test and they only took 300 of the top scores to move onto the physical and I passed! I haven't gotten a phone call or e-mail regarding my juvenile record so I'll go ahead and keep going through the process until I need to explain it in greater detail.

[pac201]

Welcome. Keep us posted on how it goes.

We do like to hear the results of these things...

[L-1]

I can't speak for Arizona, but in most states, any person convicted of a felony is prohibited from employment as a peace officer. In many states this prohibition holds even if the conviction was sealed, expunged, or set aside.

However in many states, proceedings under juvenile court are generally not considered to be a criminal conviction unless the individual was certified, tried, and convicted as an adult. Therefore, juvenile convictions are not included as a legal bar to appointment as a peace officer. Nonetheless, the conduct surrounding the offense should certainly be considered as part of the overall background.

[jsc]

pac201, I'll be sure to keep you guys updated.

I can't speak for Arizona, but in most states, any person convicted of a felony is prohibited from employment as a peace officer. In many states this prohibition holds even if the conviction was sealed, expunged, or set aside.

However in many states, proceedings under juvenile court are generally not considered to be a criminal conviction unless the individual was certified, tried, and convicted as an adult. Therefore, juvenile convictions are not included as a legal bar to appointment as a peace officer. Nonetheless, the conduct surrounding the offense should certainly be considered as part of the overall background.

Thank you for your input. It was juvenile misconduct and processed through a juvenile court but I'm still unable to find any direct information regarding juvenile felonies. I've come along way since i was 15 and I plan on showing the department that when my oral boards come around. Regardless, I still did something stupid so if they deem that to be worthy of disqualification, then I'll have to accept that but I'm 100% willing to tell the complete truth about it.

Quick question (can be any department). If I put down that I got a juvenile felony on a pre-screen/initial application for employment, do they look at that right off the bat? I put it down on my pre-screen as well as a questionaire they provided at the written test and they haven't called. They keep sending me through the hiring process.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

What state was the crime committed in?

[jsc]

The crime was committed in Arizona.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

In Arizona, juveniles are not convicted of crimes - they're adjudicated delinquent. Ergo, the AZPOST requirement should be for anything you've done as an adult.

[jsc]

In Arizona, juveniles are not convicted of crimes - they're adjudicated delinquent. Ergo, the AZPOST requirement should be for anything you've done as an adult.

Thanks for shedding some light on that. That gives me a whole new perspective on the matter. Every department I have applied for still asks, "...even if committed as a juvenile," under the felony conviction question on the applications. I suppose I should still put it down for all law enforcement applications in Arizona (for background investigation and polygraph purposes), regardless of what you said, correct?

[Cat_Doc]

Thanks for shedding some light on that. That gives me a whole new perspective on the matter. Every department I have applied for still asks, "...even if committed as a juvenile," under the felony conviction question on the applications. I suppose I should still put it down for all law enforcement applications in Arizona (for background investigation and polygraph purposes), regardless of what you said, correct?

Yes. 'Tis better to tell them up front than to have them find it and ask you about it.

[jsc]

Once again, I appreciate the responses.

I just passed the physical with flying colors. Oral board is on Thursday.