Pledging with criminal record

[AGDLynn]

Originally Posted by *winter*

BIG lane swere...and one filled with inaccurrate information.

Once it's expunged you are in a whole different ballgame of "disclosure" but until you file for expungement, it is processed by the court system and formally removed, expect to answer for it in one way or another.

Expungement means different things under different conditions.

In Georgia, the local arresting agency will "expunge"/destroy fingerprint cards and photographs, the state will "seal" the information for non-criminal justice purposes and the courts can do either or nothing.

I tell folks EVERY DAY that it may be possible for employers, "third-party companies, and regular folks to get the information from the courts. etc.

Also, once websites like Mugshots.com get the info, you have to deal with them on a case-by-case basis.

[*winter*]

Originally Posted by AGDLynn

Expungement means different things under different conditions.

In Georgia, the local arresting agency will "expunge"/destroy fingerprint cards and photographs, the state will "seal" the information for non-criminal justice purposes and the courts can do either or nothing.

I tell folks EVERY DAY that it may be possible for employers, "third-party companies, and regular folks to get the information from the courts. etc.

Also, once websites like Mugshots.com get the info, you have to deal with them on a case-by-case basis.

Basically, the general idea of "if you did it, it's out there, and anyone can access that information" I agree with.

In Pennsylvania, for Misdemeanors and Felonies, you can send in an application for clemency/pardon. IF approved- and the process can take up to 3 years- the county court in which the incident will be contacted by the defendant to begin formal expungement. When it is expunged, per the judgement in a Supreme Court case, an applicant can legally answer No to "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?"

Summaries are expunged at the county level and most are approved for expungement within 6-9 months of petitioning the court in that county. When they are gone, they are gone off the record, but in this digital age with screenshots and all that, nothing is EVER really gone.

Which is why it's more important than ever to just NOT get in the situation!

[jazing]

It all depends on how much the rush chair cares. If the group is a top house, then perhaps they'll look more into it and deny you a bid. But moderate houses shouldn't hold it against you. Neither should anyone else, but life is life.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by jazing

It all depends on how much the rush chair cares. If the group is a top house, then perhaps they'll look more into it and deny you a bid. But moderate houses shouldn't hold it against you. Neither should anyone else, but life is life.

You are taking about apples, he is talking about oranges. Actually, it's more like apples and chocolate cake...it's just that different.

[DrPhil]

And that's why NPHC aspirant questions do not belong on Greekchat (or at least not outside of the respective NPHC organizations' forums). The OP and the Alphas will figure this out from start to finish.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by jazing

It all depends on how much the rush chair cares. If the group is a top house, then perhaps they'll look more into it and deny you a bid. But moderate houses shouldn't hold it against you. Neither should anyone else, but life is life.

Your ignorance of how NPHC fraternities differ from your fraternity is showing.

[jazing]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Your ignorance of how NPHC fraternities differ from your fraternity is showing.

Then fill me in. Teach me the difference.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by jazing

Then fill me in. Teach me the difference.

Umm.....no. If you're really interested, much can be learned by reading the NPHC threads and forums. And If you're not, why should we bother? You're in the big boy league, now. Life will no longer be spoon fed to you.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Umm.....no. If you're really interested, much can be learned by reading the NPHC threads and forums. And If you're not, why should we bother? You're in the big boy league, now. Life will no longer be spoon fed to you.

Well, I'm feeling a little charitable today.

On this one, jazing, Dr.Phil already did fill you in:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

As with most aspirant questions, contact Alpha Phi Alpha NHQ.

Or you can read this in the other thread the OP started:

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I am an Alpha.

The background check is certain.

If you follow the steps to apply as noted on the national website, then you will have an answer as to whether it will count against you. Even I personally as a member can't tell you the answer to that, but if you do what you're supposed to do, the answer will be revealed.

Beyond that, you said:

Originally Posted by jazing

It all depends on how much the rush chair cares. If the group is a top house, then perhaps they'll look more into it and deny you a bid. But moderate houses shouldn't hold it against you. Neither should anyone else, but life is life.

For future reference,

• A house is not the same thing as a chapter, especially in GLOs that typically do not have houses.
• Not all GLOs have "rush" as you have experienced it. Some do not have it at all, so they do not have "rush chairs," and the way they go about taking in new members is vastly different from what you experienced.
• Not all GLOs have "bids" as you know them.
• As a member of the fraternity that the OP is interested in pointed out, this is a matter of national requirements, not "top houses" or "moderate houses."

Meanwhile, this.

[AGDLynn]

In Ga dismissed can be sealed on state database if prosecutor agrees. State charges $25. Arresting agency can also charge. Courts decide if they want to seal or not. Statute does not direct them to.

[blacksentra]

If anyone cares to know, I just crossed alpha on march17!!! I guess it didn't matter to much

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by blacksentra

If anyone cares to know, I just crossed alpha on march17!!! I guess it didn't matter to much

Congratulations! What chapter?

[sigmagirl2000]

Originally Posted by blacksentra

If anyone cares to know, I just crossed alpha on march17!!! I guess it didn't matter to much

Congrats! Glad it all worked out for you

[lulutnl3]

Originally Posted by blacksentra

If anyone cares to know, I just crossed alpha on march17!!! I guess it didn't matter to much

Congrats!!! I was wondering a similar question for one of my male friends. Glad to see your positive attributes prevailed.