Can You Become a Volunteer Firefighter With a Felony Record

I was wondering if having a felony conviction will disqualify me for becoming a volunteer firefighter in Virginia. At the age of 18 I was wrongfully charged with breaking windows and because of the value the charge was a felony. I never plead guilty nor would I ever admit guilt, however at the time I was young and scared and couldn't afford a paid attorney. I was told by my public defender that I could possibly spend up to 14 years in prison if I went to trial and lost. Listening to the "professional" opinion of my council I was talked into taking an Alford plea which I was told was my best bet along with being told that it wasn't an admission of guilt. Only later did I find out what a horrible mistake that was. This has been ruining my life and shutting so many doors not to mention having to walk around as a felon now married to a police officer (How ironic) I would greatly appreciate any info on this situation.

Your plea makes little difference at this point, the fact that you are convicted. I don't know of any law that bars you from being a member of a fire department. The department may have their own restrictions on hiring criminals. If you intend to pursue EMS certification however, you will not be eligible for certification until FIVE years have passed since you were released from jail/probation.