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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    1

    Default Joining Law Enforcement with a Juvenile Record in Arizona

    NOTE: I think I posted this in the wrong forum. It should go in the parent of this sub-forum. My apologies.

    My question involves expungements or pardons for the state of: Arizona

    Background: When I was 15 years of age, my friend and I used very poor judgment and we committed a felony. We had vandalized homes that were under construction in our neighborhood. We were eventually arrested and admitted guilt to the damage. I was sent to juvenile court and charged with Burglary, 2nd Degree and Criminal Damage ($2000-$9000). Fortunately, I wasn't booked into juvenile detention and I faced only 6 months probation and 50 hours of community service, which I completed as soon as possible. My lawyer told me that the court would petition the destruction of my juvenile records upon turning 18 years of age, and upon turning 18, they were expunged.

    Now then, at age 22, I have been proactively seeking a career in law enforcement. Most departments require you to reveal felony and misdemeanor "convictions," even if they are from your juvenile record and even if they are expunged. It's an honesty thing, which I completely understand and I'm always glad to give them this information. However, AZPOST (Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board), is very strict about past "convictions" and according to their standards:

    R13-4-105. Minimum Qualifications for Appointment
    6. Not have been convicted of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona;
    Full: http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/title_13/13-04.htm

    When I placed the word conviction in quotes in my above statements, I was doing so because I was told in various discussions with other people that juvenile felonies/misdemeanors like the one I committed are not juvenile convictions per se, unless they were of a violent nature. That does sound comforting but I'm trying to get as many opinions as possible, on and off the internet, not to mention more fact that fiction. I have visited law enforcement forums and they have only delivered grim news and mixed opinions about the subject matter. No matter how many articles and legal books I dig into, I am unable to find the answer I am looking for so I now turn to a legal forum for additional advice/opinions/information.

    In conclusion, my actual question then, is will my juvenile situation earn me automatic disqualification in any law enforcement department in the state of Arizona, regardless of the expungement, the severity of the felony, and my current maturity as a law abiding citizen? Thank you for your support.

    -Jason

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Joining Law Enforcement with a Juvenile Record in Arizona

    In conclusion, my actual question then, is will my juvenile situation earn me automatic disqualification in any law enforcement department in the state of Arizona, regardless of the expungement, the severity of the felony, and my current maturity as a law abiding citizen?
    It might. We cannot give you a definitive answer.

    If you really want fact, you'll need to pose your question directly to the departments you intend to apply to.

    If you look at the Clarification of Answer here, it seems that the Board does have some discretion as to whether or not to find you eligible. The only way to find out for certain is to discuss the matter directly with the departments you intend to apply to. Anything else is just internet speculation.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    20,594

    Default Re: Joining Law Enforcement with a Juvenile Record in Arizona

    Yes, your felony conviction or "true finding" (the usual term for a juvenile conviction at least in my state) will be an absolute bar to employment in law enforcement unless or until the arrest is expunged in some way such that your firearms rights are restored pursuant to state AND federal law.

    I conduct law enforcement backgrounds in CA. Your juvenile conviction IS a bar to employment as it will prevent you from possessing or owning a firearm. The process of removing a felony conviction in AZ can be difficult, though it might help that you were a juvenile when you were convicted. You may have to consult some attorneys to check into the matter. A simple Google search can provide some leads, but be wary of firms that make promises and seem to do it all in a cattle call. If you are going to do it, do it right and use an attorney who you can trust and who will clearly answer all your questions so that you can achieve your goals.

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