Pledging with criminal record

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by blacksentra

Hello All,

I come to you because I need some advice.

I am currently attempting to become a member of a graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. I am almost certain that they will do a background check during the application process.

About 2 and a half years ago (April 2009) I got into a fight and was charged with 2nd degree assault, a misdemeanor in my state. The case was dismissed and I have since learned my lesson. I was 20 and in college at the time and realize that it was a stupid thing to do, but it was also a learning experience.

My record is not expunged so I am worried that they will see this and will hold it against me. Aside from this, I believe I have wonderful credentials and would make a great member, but I'm just worried whoever reviews applications wont look past this.

Can anyone shed some insight.

Thanks.

If a case is dismissed, it still shows up on your record?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

If a case is dismissed, it still shows up on your record?

In Oklahoma, which is all I can really speak for, all of our records are online for the major counties. Everything in one central database so everyone knows everyone's business.

What he's describing is what we'd call here a suspended or deferred sentence. In other words, they set out an amount of time, then the case is dismissed, but it still comes up under your name until you have it expunged. Since it's a violent offense, different rules may apply.

No idea how that affects your recruitment prospects or if that's even how it works in your state, best of luck.

I can say that as chapter adviser, I do run our new members' names through the system as I once did that AFTER pledging someone with a felony arson conviction. I doubt many groups do it though as a matter of practice.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by Kevin

What he's describing is what we'd call here a suspended or deferred sentence. In other words, they set out an amount of time, then the case is dismissed, but it still comes up under your name until you have it expunged. Since it's a violent offense, different rules may apply.

I haven't had to deal with this *knocks on wood* but I was always under the impression that dismissals didn't show up on your record. Interesting. Thanks.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

I haven't had to deal with this *knocks on wood* but I was always under the impression that dismissals didn't show up on your record. Interesting. Thanks.

Probably depends on the way your state handles its public records. If you're in Texas, you're in luck. They're a hot mess which varies greatly from county to county. In Oklahoma, on the other hand, all of our major counties are on a free public records database, everything from case information to images of all of the pleadings filed in a given case to Dept. of Corrections profiles for every inmate available to anyone anytime without a login/password or paying any kind of fee.

For our smaller counties, we have a public records system which you have to pay about $500/year for full access and have docket review access for free. We're moving over to a system for all 77 counties though, which will maybe even be more accessible.