Posted: 6/4/2004 5:59:16 AM EDT
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How far back do they go when looking into past criminal history? Do they count youthful offenses? Here is why I ask... I am currently 28. When I was 13 a friend and I were haning out in a schoolyard smoking and goofing off, and we caught some trash on fire. Someone saw us and called the cops and Fire department and the whole 9 yards. We were both charged with attempted arson, but the lawyer my dad hired pled it down to destruction of personal property. The Juvenile court gave me 1 year probabtion, and they actually lifted it at after 9 months for good behavior. Supposedly, the records are now sealed. When I was 19 I tried to join the Army, and they asked if I had ever been arrested. I said yes, and they asked where and for what. When the Army Recruiter checked with the Sterling Heights Police Department, and found out that I had been CHARGED with arson, he ended the process "Sorry, but the Army can't take you". I was shocked. My test scores were high, and the recruiter was willing to look past a past medical problem, but the arson charge was too much. Since the age of 13, the closest thing I have had to a run in with the law has been a couple of speeding tickets, which I paid ontime. I have legally purchased several firearms, and as far as I know I am squeaky clean. Do you think that they would use my juvenile offense as a reason to disqualify me for a CCW? Like I said, it was a misdemenor conviction (although a felony charge), it was 15 years ago, the records are supposed to be sealed, and I have not had a single run in with the law since. The only reason I am worried is because the "charge" disqualified me from military service. |
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Not a legal expert here. but: The look-back times vary by crime and are based on conviction only, with the exception that if you were facing a current felony charge you would not be eligible. Some misdemeanors are a 3 year look back, some are 8 year, and. Not sure how it works with a juvenile record though. Even if it were not sealed, my interpretation is that you would be eligible. MDOP is a 3 year look back. The State police have some good information at this website: Michigan State Police CCW Info Hope that helps, go get that CCW! BD |
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Hey motown, I agree with baileydogg he's sounds right on with the "go back" limits. Biggest concern is how did they get that info if it;s sealed? Are they privey to even SEALED records (being the Fed. Gov. ?) If so then SEALING , actually does no good. Since you have no other record It may be worth it to have your record EXPUNGED. I believe this will "wipe it clean". To do that you must go to the COUNTY court (MACONB) AND GET NECESSARY FORMS TO GET THE ACTION STARTED. |
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UPDATE: I went through boxes and boxes of old papers at my Dad's house, and I found my old records. Apparently, I have never been convicted of anything. I was placed on probation at the age of 13. When I turned 18, and finished High School, the Judge dropped the charges. The reason that the Army found the charge of Arson, was because they went directly to the Police Department for the arrest record, not to the county court. Either way, since I have never been convicted of anything, the Gun Board cannot legally deny me a CCW. |