Becoming a Police Officer After a Deferred Adjudication for a Weapons Offense

[MrBillBoard]

So, 20 years ago I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and got hit with theft of a firearm and placed on deferred adjudication in Texas. Because I was young and dumb 19-year-old, and didn't know any better, and not to mention my lawyer was crap, I didn't fight it. Now 20 years later, I get out of the military, and finish my degree, wanting to become a police officer. I get slap in the face by remembering that one little incident on my record. I know 100% of shot are missed if I don't try, but what are the odds of me being able to become an officer in North Carolina with that on my record?

[PayrolGuy]

I can't give odds. But 20 years in the military should overcome a lot of problems.

[free9man]

Given how long it has been, it won't be as much of an issue as if it were a couple years. Was the charge a felony or misdemeanor?

Your military service will also help as long as you kept your nose clean.

That being said; the conviction along with your age (I know some of my local agencies won't consider you if you are over 36) will put you at a disadvantage against younger applicants with no foibles in their past. But if you're still in military shape, that will help.

You lose nothing by applying though.

[MrBillBoard]

I can't give odds. But 20 years in the military should overcome a lot of problems.

I wish it was 20, but more like 12.

Given how long it has been, it won't be as much of an issue as if it were a couple years. Was the charge a felony or misdemeanor?

Your military service will also help as long as you kept your nose clean.

That being said; the conviction along with your age (I know some of my local agencies won't consider you if you are over 36) will put you at a disadvantage against younger applicants with no foibles in their past. But if you're still in military shape, that will help.

You lose nothing by applying though.

It was considered a felony. Unfortunately, that is the only blemish on my record. I am still in great shape.

[PayrolGuy]

12 should still be OK as long as your military record is good.

Just make sure you never forget to tell them about it at every point they may ask.

[Who'sThatGuy]

Given how long it has been, it won't be as much of an issue as if it were a couple years. Was the charge a felony or misdemeanor?

Your military service will also help as long as you kept your nose clean.

That being said; the conviction along with your age (I know some of my local agencies won't consider you if you are over 36) will put you at a disadvantage against younger applicants with no foibles in their past. But if you're still in military shape, that will help.

You lose nothing by applying though.

Max age in NJ is 35. So he needs to look into the age limit because I put him at 39?

[PayrolGuy]

Max age in NJ is 35. So he needs to look into the age limit because I put him at 39?

I've seen PDs with such an age limitation. I can't find an EEOC exemption for police.

[Who'sThatGuy]

I've seen PDs with such an age limitation. I can't find an EEOC exemption for police.

I'll ask a few officers I know. But for now, I found this. It looks like only applicants over the age of 40 are protected?

Age discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of his or her age.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. It does not protect workers under the age of 40, although some states have laws that protect younger workers from age discrimination. It is not illegal for an employer or other covered entity to favor an older worker over a younger one, even if both workers are age 40 or older.

https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/age.cfm

[cdwjava]

I doubt it was a felony or you would have not been in the military as you would not have been capable of holding a firearm. If you were in deferred adjudication, it is possible the matter was reduced or even dismissed at the conclusion if you attended all the court hearings. At this point, you really need to find out what your record says.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/administra...oryrecords.htm

If it is a misdemeanor and not otherwise a mandatory exclusion from firearms possession or employment as a peace officer, 12 years of honorable and acceptable military should be sufficient to overcome a youthful indiscretion.

As for the age thing, this may vary by agency and retirement system. The feds have a hiring age minimum for peace officers as a result of their retirement system - as does the state of CA. Local agencies, however, are unable to have a hiring minimum. TX may be different, of course, but do not assume that the standard for one agency might be the standard for all. Per TX state law, there is only a MINIMUM age for certification as a peace officer (18 or 21, depending on other qualification)

[MrBillBoard]

The areas in NC I am considering applying have a cut off of 40yrs old, I am good in the age limit area.

@cdwjava- When I pulled my finger print records from the SBI in North Carolina and the FBI criminal background check, it was clear and nothing on them, it only should up when i did the fingerprint check in the state of Texas. Yes, it is a felony, I don't know why it is only showing there, but it doesn't say a conviction, only deferred on the disposition.