My son wants to be a Marine. He has a juvinile record from early 09. Served probabtion, paid fines and did community service. His recruiter put the breaks on and is having files looked at by higher level. Underage drinking etc. No felonies or other criminality. He feels he has been given a clean bill from County law enforcement. Could the Marines reject him? He wants record to be expunged but Marines got them anyway. He's just out of HS and sweating a bit. Any ideas, THANKS.
His recruiter put the breaks on and is having files looked at by higher level.
It sounds like the wheels are already in motion. Check-in with the recruiter to see where things stand. The fact that he had to kick it up makes it sound like he has experienced issues like this one in the past and he has some doubts (or else he's too new to be sure). Regardless, stay on top of it so that your son doesn't spend his summer sweating for the sake of sweating.
actually.... you should probably post this in the Wannabe section here. It's more likely to get the attention of the appropriately knowledgeable eyeballs.
Also, all expunged cases and sealed cases are considered convictions for the purpose of enlistment into the Marine Corps.
Let me say that again, because it is important and often misunderstood.
Expunged records ARE considered convictions by the Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps is primarily interested in what your son did, not what he was convicted of, or what other actions the court took.
We also look at original charges in cases where the charges were reduced. ie. Petit larceny reduced from Grand Larceny, or Disorderly Conduct reduced from Possession of Marijuana.
Another thing on this subject, diversionary programs are considered convictions, ie. a judge dismissed the charges, but sent the child to a "scared straight" program, or sent the case to a "youth court". These are also considered convictions for purposes of enlistment.
In regards to your son's case, be prepared to furnish the documents to the recruiter yourself if the court is not able to do it for you. I often have an individual contact their lawyer to obtain documents that a court will refuse to give me due to a sealed or expunged record.
If he was arrested at a time before he was 18 yrs. of age, his "record" should have been expunged within a few months of his 18th birthday, provided that all the charges were either summary offenses (fines and costs)or were handled in juvenile court, which is how your post outlines his dilemma. If he was over 18 when the arrests occurred, he will have to have the records expunged. The process usually cannot be started until any sentence imposed (including probation period) has been satisfied.
However, see post above concerning Marine Corps policy covering arrests prior to enlistment, whether expunged, nolle prossed, or whatever. The Corps can afford to be choosy.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: armorysgt,
My .02 it is best to give full disclosure. When I enlisted I had been on diversion for two seperate cases in juvenile court. I will not bore into what they were but and why I was able to get two diversions. Suffice to say that if you are open and honest it will only reflect well on you. This has carried me through my Marine Corps enlistment, into medical school and now with a commission in the Navy. Let mistakes be stated and acknowledged as such beg forgiveness and hope that with the cards on the table that they will see the good that can still be accomplished. Good Luck.
His offenses were weed and beer. At the time his mom and I were divorcing and he was looking for and getting attention. He feesed up and allowed recruiter to access files. Marines have had them for 1 month and DEP'rs are getting pushed back. We are hoping no news is good news but recruiter is delaying him with no promises. I called another nearby recruiter and he told me they are full up until May 2010. Could be a quota thing or waiver thing, recruiter is being slightly ebasive. He does weekly PT with DEP'r's. I think he should talk to USN but he wants Marines.
Here's my question... how much "weed" was on his possesson at the time of arrest? The amount and/or weight does have immplications, and raise questions in light of a waiver. As for recruiting quotas, they are at their heighest levels and causing affects with both DEP'ers, and Marine MOS school dates. If he doesn't make it this year, then he has an option to try in the 2010-Fiscal Year which starts 1 October 2009.
Thanks for that. He had 'minimal' or residue in a pipe. Not dealing or other drugs. The recruiter did bounce off him being a 2010 DEP which I would encourage him to grab. He just turned 18 and can afford to hang in there. He would feel much better if he can begin 'process' by testing for ASVAB. If it takes a year, he'll be more mature and perhaps a better recruit. I would even say the wait is good time to nail down how bad he wants to be a Marine!
Did any one hear the Captain? His current billit is OPs O for a Recruiting District. I think he know what he is talking about. This topic is closed....Sir I wish your son well, please follow the Captains advice is my advice....
