Help It's our future

[gunsnrosesfan12]

Yes I have to know something and I came across this website while googling a specific topic. If someone has a background consisting of two possessions of marijuana and a dwi, can that person still obtain a associates, bachelors or higher degree, and still work in the criminal justice field???? If the answer to this question is no what about if that same person gets these charges expunged or sealed etc?

Concerned future criminal justice major

[Jennifer]

Yes I have to know something and I came across this website while googling a specific topic. If someone has a background consisting of two possessions of marijuana and a dwi, can that person still obtain a associates, bachelors or higher degree, and still work in the criminal justice field???? If the answer to this question is no what about if that same person gets these charges expunged or sealed etc?

Concerned future criminal justice major

An individual's substance abuse history will not affect their education. Unless of course, they are too inebriated to go to class.

So, you can get a degree in CJ, however, obtaining a job as a LEO may be an issue due to the illegality of the background.

One word of note, in order to apply for federal student loans, they ask if you have any felonies (it's been awhile since I applied for student loans but I swear that was asked in the FASFA).

I can't speak for the expunged background but I have never heard of a "sealed" background unless you are talking about charges that accrued while a minor ??? But I'm sure someone with a verified tag can discuss that.

[Kimble]

Jennifer is pretty dead-on with her response. With any sort of criminal history, you may be able to pursue and obtain a college degree in whatever field, even criminal justice. The program may ask if you have a criminal history, but more often than not they won't perform any sort of criminal background check on you.

HOWEVER, earning a degree (in criminal justice or otherwise) has nothing to do with working in the CJ field. If you have a CJ degree, it is NOT a guarantee of employment in law enforcement or any other CJ job field. With multiple criminal charges against you, it will be difficult for you to obtain a job in this field (whether you have a college degree or not). Having a college degree doesn't "magically" wipe away your past transgressions.

Now, to get the most accurate information, call the recruitment divisions of whatever agencies you want to work for and ask them if your background would disqualify you (be honest, because they will find out during the background portion of your application). I'm not saying to avoid giving it a shot, but do have a back-up plan, because there are plenty of applicants who do not have those past issues brought to the table.