Is it possible to be a cop with a misdemeanor

The passage of bill Read More. What is a Certificate of Good Conduct? Record Sealing and Employment as a Police Officer A person with a sealed record may still have difficulty becoming a police officer. Who Should I Contact? Footer Recent Articles Originally published here. Free Consult Call Now. Further, having the conviction reduced to a misdemeanor under California Penal Code section 17 b will remove the disqualification only if the conviction occurred before In most cases, though, a record of arrest or misdemeanor conviction for prior misconduct, such as prior illegal drug use, DUI, or theft, is usually not automatically disqualifying.

It is important to know what is on your criminal record before you apply. The most common cause of rejection is the failure to disclose prior misconduct.

Expungement and other forms of relief from the court are based on rehabilitation; therefore your chances of being hired will increase if you have your misdemeanor convictions expunged prior to applying.

Convicted of or on court-ordered community supervision or probation for a class B misdemeanor within the last ten years. Is currently charged with any criminal offense for which conviction would be a bar to licensure. Is prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle, or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Dishonorably discharged from the military or discharged based on misconduct which bars future military service. Showing trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use after a blood test or other medical test. Currently has peace officer license suspended.

The following may also be a disqualification: Dismissed with just cause from public service employment under other than honorable conditions or resigned to avoid such. This includes dishonorably discharged as a peace officer where: retired or resigned in lieu of termination for a criminal offense; terminated for a criminal offense with or without charges filed; retired or resigned in lieu of termination for an administrative violations of truthfulness or insubordination; or terminated for an administrative violations of truthfulness or insubordination.

This also included general discharge as a peace officer where: retired or resigned while under investigation for a criminal violation, after the officer was advised in writing of the criminal investigation; or retired or resigned through mutual agreement with the governmental entity and is not eligible to reapply. The following will be causes for disqualification for any applicant; this information has also been included on the personal history statement: Has made false statements in any material fact; withheld information, practiced or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in the application, examination or appointment.

Depending on the variables involved, disqualification may be either permanent or temporary. Has failed to complete or satisfactorily meet the employment process requirement for the respective department, failure to fill in all blanks, failure to provide notary seals required, missing documents, including missed appointments, failure to return necessary paperwork, failure to notify department of changes in address or telephone numbers, or who otherwise failed to complete application process.

If a criminal record is expunged, it will not be publicly accessible. A police officer with a criminal record can hamper a criminal prosecution since he or she is vulnerable to impeachment by a criminal defense attorney.

Under the rules of evidence, any witness who has been convicted of a crime can be questioned about it. In a close prosecution, a jury may find it difficult to accept the testimony of an officer with a criminal record, especially if there is little or no other evidence linking the criminal defendant to the offense for which he or she is being charged.

Police officers are not immune from having criminal records, but they are often less severe offenses, such as misdemeanors, although a record that has been expunged could include a felony charge. All rights reserved. Self-help services may not be permitted in all states.