I was arrested for shoplifting in Bisbee, Arizona in 92 for a small bottle of cold medicine less then $ 5.00; I was adult at that time. That was my first offense ever. I felt so stupid, ashamed and scared. Police took me to the station for paper work and fingerprinted then release me with no jail time. I came back to court a month later. Judge ordered pay the fine and go to Choice and Responsibility Seminar. Judge dismissed the case...
In 1999. I went to court asking for a copy of the arrest record to clarify what was the exact outcome in court on that day. Meaning I must look at Disposition Code. The disposition code is 43 on arrest record. According to clerk. Code 43 means: complaint dismissed on motion of court or defendant .Is that means I have not been convicted for that crime, but just an arrest record which will stay with me for the rest of my life?
Currently. I am interested a job in Arizona, but that job requires secret clearance. Employer must have my fingerprint to check my background .I mean they really check you out OK, if you have something to say, say it now, just be honest or get fired later. I’m’ going to fill out the application form. There is a question on the form asks me that: have you ever been convicted a crime. If yes, give the date of conviction, the nature of the crime or offense, and the sentence imposed. . Should I say yes or no on that question? I want to be honest as much as I can to me employer, you can not get a conviction when the case was dismissed. There is no conviction date. That is least how I thick. But, if they ask me have you ever been arrested for any crime? I will tell them everything. What I really mean is, if it requires me answer it I will answer it, but if is not necessary than I don’t want to put that ugly pass on my application. Any suggestion or advice? Or should I talk to a lawyer before I fill out that form
Just for peace of mind.