Assault (or other criminal record) holding you back...?

SFriday425 · 08-24-2007, 05:34 PM

My goal is to become a firefighter. However, I have an assault on my record (occurred in 2002, plead guilty 2003) and it's seriously holding me back. I couldn't even get a lease in an apartment complex recently due to having this on my record. I've been filling out volunteer apps (and will soon be filling out full time apps) and they all ask "Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the past 10 years?". I have to select "yes" which leads me to believe I'm basically fuked. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? I've spoken to a few firemen that say it shouldn't be a problem but to be honest they were all older guys and may not be privy to how sensitive everyone is about everything these days...

Oh, and the reason I was charged with assault is a guy came into my dormroom freshmen year after a night of drinking talking all sorts of shyte and getting in my face (about 1 in away). I tossed him out into the hall and he kept getting in my face. I headbutted him once, which unfortunately broke his nose. He pressed charges after calling his mom crying and I just plead guilty because I couldn't afford an attorney and didn't qualify for a public defender (parents made too much $).

Mises · 08-24-2007, 05:37 PM

Man that's f*cked up, did you try to counter sue for harrassment or something?

SFriday425 · 08-24-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sluuug

Man that's f*cked up, did you try to counter sue for harrassment or something?

No. But if I could go back I would have definitely taken out a loan or sold my truck or something to get an attorney (or even better not head butted him in the first place, lol).

BEQ one · 08-24-2007, 05:39 PM

What a drunk mutha fuucka. I cringed though when you mentioned his nose breaking.

NYPump · 08-24-2007, 05:42 PM

I'm going to be running into a similar situation in the next few months when I interview for a job with my local police department. I don't have any fellonies or marks on my record, but I made a few poor decisions about 5-8 years ago in college (under the influence of alcohol of coarse) with some elicit drugs. Only tried them a few times and it was strictly recreational and had I been sober at the time I would have never taken any of them. I'm hoping because I have some serious serious pull with e department that maybe they'll look past it. My uncle was a detective with the PD for 25 years and the Chief of police is a close family friend. But rules are rules and I'm sure I'll end up getting boned.

nnjj112255kkllo9 · 08-24-2007, 05:43 PM

I know 3 police officers who got jobs after having assults and dui's on their record.....

Police dont give **** about assault charges though...its what they are good at

IceDragon · 08-24-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFriday425

My goal is to become a firefighter. However, I have an assault on my record (occurred in 2002, plead guilty 2003) and it's seriously holding me back. I couldn't even get a lease in an apartment complex recently due to having this on my record. I've been filling out volunteer apps (and will soon be filling out full time apps) and they all ask "Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the past 10 years?". I have to select "yes" which leads me to believe I'm basically fuked. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? I've spoken to a few firemen that say it shouldn't be a problem but to be honest they were all older guys and may not be privy to how sensitive everyone is about everything these days...

Oh, and the reason I was charged with assault is a guy came into my dormroom freshmen year after a night of drinking talking all sorts of shyte and getting in my face (about 1 in away). I tossed him out into the hall and he kept getting in my face. I headbutted him once, which unfortunately broke his nose. He pressed charges after calling his mom crying and I just plead guilty because I couldn't afford an attorney and didn't qualify for a public defender (parents made too much $).

Get in contact with someone at the fire department who deals with applications or with potential applicants, and ask them about it.

Make it clear what happened, admit that you're really worried about it, and ask if there's anything you need to do to amend it, or make it obvious that it won't happen again.

Only thing you can do is try, at least...if not, you have until 2013 before you can apply to learn everything you can about it, maybe volunteer at a fire station or something (I don't know if they do that there), and get your head into it.

I wish I could help more, hun.

SFriday425 · 08-24-2007, 05:48 PM

^^ I was filling out a volunteer app just now and the question came up. Also, I just filled out some EMT class apps and the question was there. I see a lot of denials coming my way...damn

Just sucks that the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Plus you can't expunge your record in the state of Arizona.

BEQ one · 08-24-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFriday425

Just sucks that the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Plus you can't expunge your record in the state of Arizona.

Move?

Worldwide · 08-24-2007, 05:52 PM

Attach a note with your application detailing the reason for the police record. If explained, I'm sure many employers would understand the circumstances. Also, be sure to include that you know it was wrong and you're sorry that it happened.