Acd

[ACD MAN]

I am from New York.

About 5 years ago, when I was a young stupid kid, I was involved in an incident where I left a bar and broke a store window. I was given an ACD ( in New York). So I paid restitution and after 6 months, all charges were dismissed and my case was sealed. I am now trying to get a city job (police and fire fighter) in the same city where this incident occured. I understand that under an ACD, I have never been convicted of anything, but my question is... What am I legally obligated to say when they ask if I have been arrested?

I dont know how serious they will look at this offense... but my dilema is ..do I disclose all the info and hope that they dont think its grounds for denial of the job, or do I not disclose the info and hope that the files are actualy sealed as they say?

Im leaning to the honesty side as I dont think the offense is that big of a deal. But is such a minor instance grounds for denial of a law enforcement job?

If anyone has had a similar experience or knowledge of this type of thing, can you please help me out with this..

Thanks in advance.

 

[Beth3]

I can't comment on the specific recruiting requirements of law enforcement agencies but I can tell you that (a) honesty is always the best policy, and (b) if all candidates who had a youthful indiscretion were ruled out of consideration, there would be very few people working in law enforcement.

Good luck.

 

[seniorjudge]

I am from New York.

About 5 years ago, when I was a young stupid kid, I was involved in an incident where I left a bar and broke a store window. I was given an ACD ( in New York). So I paid restitution and after 6 months, all charges were dismissed and my case was sealed. I am now trying to get a city job (police and fire fighter) in the same city where this incident occured. I understand that under an ACD, I have never been convicted of anything, but my question is... What am I legally obligated to say when they ask if I have been arrested?

I dont know how serious they will look at this offense... but my dilema is ..do I disclose all the info and hope that they dont think its grounds for denial of the job, or do I not disclose the info and hope that the files are actualy sealed as they say?

Im leaning to the honesty side as I dont think the offense is that big of a deal. But is such a minor instance grounds for denial of a law enforcement job?

If anyone has had a similar experience or knowledge of this type of thing, can you please help me out with this..

Thanks in advance.

Q: What am I legally obligated to say when they ask if I have been arrested?

A: "Yes and here are the details...."

 

[ACD MAN]

Thanks!! but one more question..

I live in New York.

Thanks again for such fast responses!!

I have one more question, by law, can any employer (public or private) deny you a job based on an arrest without a conviction? Specifically, can an employer NOT hire me because of my ACD?