Getting a Government Job After Shoplifting

[badshoplifter]

I'm a microbiology major and I need to find some lab research jobs. Most of these jobs/internships, however, are provided by the government. When I was 16 yrs. old I shoplifted from a military base. I was a very stupid kid and I'm especially regretting what I did now. I did everything I was told to do (paid civil demand and went to magistrate court on base). My case was dismissed.

Will this prevent me from getting a job from the government? I'm sure they can see the record because I did paperwork admitting my guilt.

In WA, by the way

[LawResearcherMissy]

Will this prevent me from getting a job from the government?

So long as you've kept your nose clean since then, it is unlikely that this old - and dismissed! - charge will be a hindrance to you.