Criminal Record and getting hired...

[AOPAPilot]

Well, I recieved a class A misdemeanor for assault when I was 17 years old (no weapon, etc.), tried as an adult and I recieved probation, community service and completed it successfully. Well, my lawyer was "less than helpfull" during this and needless to say, now at 24 years of age and finishing up my flight training it is up for Governors Pardon through a very good lawyer.

I was just wondering if a Class A Misdemeanor would be a disqualification to the airlines such as ExpressJet and other Regionals, and later on down the road, maybe the major airlines.

Thanks in advance

[JEP]

the only question I can recall being asked is:


Have you ever been convicted of a felony?


I would think you'll be fine.

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by JEP

the only question I can recall being asked is:


Have you ever been convicted of a felony?


I would think you'll be fine.

Man that would be nice

I really wanted to follow in my old mans footsteps (Secret Service Agent) but this thing really screwed me up good. I currently work as a Firefighter/Paramedic here in Texas and was given a "demo ride" for my birthday last August. I began lessons shortly thereafter and I decided to ask here because I am hoping that I will be ok hiring with airlines since I am due to leave for ATP Arlington August 7th to finish my training there. I just do not want to throw my money away by going through that and getting turned down by airlines.

I asked the main guy there at ATP if I would be ok, but he said he would have to ask the HR department and get back to me, but he said that it might be a problem down the road. I sure hope not.

[JEP]

well, now I go and check pinnacles web site and found this:

Yes No Have you ever been interviewed OR employed by Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. before?
If so, when and for what position?_________________________________________ _________
Yes No Is there any information we would need about your name or use of another name for us to check
your work record? Please specify. ________________________________________________
Yes No Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor? Please Explain___________________________
Yes No Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Please Explain_________________________________
Yes No Have you refused or failed a DOT drug/alcohol test in the last two years?
Explain___________________________________________ ____________________________
Conviction of a crime will not necessarily be a bar to employment. Factors such as age at the time of the offense, type of offense,
remoteness of offense in time and rehabilitation will be taken into account in determining effect on suitability of employment.

your agwe at the time may be able to help you out.

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by JEP

well, now I go and check pinnacles web site and found this:


your agwe at the time may be able to help you out.

Yeh, I would like to just find out FOR SURE if a Class A Assault Misdemeanor would be an automatic disqualification for employment in airlines. Happened when I was 17, I am 24 now. But, have to remember that I was tried as adult.

[Timbuff10]

I am guessing if they are hiring like crazy. Kinda like Pinnacle, Mesa, and Skywest is right now it would have far less impact and maybe none at all. If airlines aren't hiring as much then it will be harder for you to get on with them since they can be alot more picky.

I don't think there are too many things that are deal breakers if they happen once but if you have the flight time, a degree and some other good qualities I am betting it will prevent you from ever getting hired.

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by Timbuff10

I am guessing if they are hiring like crazy. Kinda like Pinnacle, Mesa, and Skywest is right now it would have far less impact and maybe none at all. If airlines aren't hiring as much then it will be harder for you to get on with them since they can be alot more picky.

I don't think there are too many things that are deal breakers if they happen once but if you have the flight time, a degree and some other good qualities I am betting it will prevent you from ever getting hired.

I understand that if somebody with my exact certifications and education went up for the same job, and I had this, but they didnt that they would probably get the nod... I am just wondering if there is a strict policy on this. For instance, my friend also has a class A misdemeanor and was not allowed to join the Coast Guard because of it, PERIOD.

[atpwannabe]

You will be ok. Have faith my friend. W/O it, you can't please HIM.

atp

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by atpwannabe

You will be ok. Have faith my friend. W/O it, you can't please HIM.

atp

Thanks

Maybe someone here with ties or connections in hiring departments for airlines will be able to ask or chime in as well. Would sure be nice I wasnt throwing away 90 days and $$$

[Flying Ninja]

AOPAPilot,

Don't sweat it. You were young and stupid. As long as you don't demonstrate that pattern of behavior and have learned from life, you'll be fine. And remember, some people may say no to you but that can't be a representation of what every airline will say to you. And if they all say no, then you know to move on.

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by Flying Ninja

AOPAPilot,

Don't sweat it. You were young and stupid. As long as you don't demonstrate that pattern of behavior and have learned from life, you'll be fine. And remember, some people may say no to you but that can't be a representation of what every airline will say to you. And if they all say no, then you know to move on.

If they all say no, I am out alot of money, and have thrown my position with the City away for nothing. Not to mention all the time and effort to get there. I dont want to go spend all this time and money at ATP, then finish building hours just to be told that I am automatically disqualified.

[Flying Ninja]

I hear ya. I lost a ##### load of money to CAPT myself. I'm not saying it's cool and you are right to ask around. Just be honest about it. If you can communicate the details of the incident and what you have learned from it, that's generally acceptable from what I've heard. Plus, do you really want to work for an industry that has no tolerance for people who make mistakes? I'm sure those who do the hiring have made some fine ones themselves. Bottom line, if you can be honest with yourself and do the best you can, everything else is out of your hands. I think some people call that risk.

No worries. I've seen people with multiple speeding tickets get hired on. If the NYPD doesn't have a problem hiring street thugs and ex-cons, I think the airlines will be fine with your ONE misdemeanor.

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by Flying Ninja

I hear ya. I lost a ##### load of money to CAPT myself. I'm not saying it's cool and you are right to ask around. Just be honest about it. If you can communicate the details of the incident and what you have learned from it, that's generally acceptable from what I've heard. Plus, do you really want to work for an industry that has no tolerance for people who make mistakes? I'm sure those who do the hiring have made some fine ones themselves. Bottom line, if you can be honest with yourself and do the best you can, everything else is out of your hands. I think some people call that risk.

No worries. I've seen people with multiple speeding tickets get hired on. If the NYPD doesn't have a problem hiring street thugs and ex-cons, I think the airlines will be fine with your ONE misdemeanor.

Just asked my aviation law professor about it and she said I should not have a problem. Especially if I get it pardoned, I may not even have to disclose it on application.

Thanks for your help

[WestIndian425]

Originally Posted by atpwannabe

You will be ok. Have faith my friend. W/O it, you can't please HIM.

atp

Also remember that favor isn't fair and it's good to have favor.

I think you'll be fine. Anyone can bounce back from mistakes.

Neil

[AOPAPilot]

Originally Posted by WestIndian425

Also remember that favor isn't fair and it's good to have favor.

I think you'll be fine. Anyone can bounce back from mistakes.

Neil

I hope they see it that way! Turns out there was not even a conviction on that.... since I did my deferred adjudication. Either way, by the time I am applying my lawyer says it will be fully pardoned and expunged



Off to ATP I go... moving Aug 7th, 3 days after my birthday. Now, to quit my job!

[AOPAPilot]

Forgot to add that I will be in DFW from Friday until Monday flying with a client of my mom's. He does traffic patrol and is a DE and all that stuff with the FAA. Then going to swing by Arlington National to check out ATP's facilities. Just throwing that out there incase any fellow pilots would like to meet up for lunch or something. I will be staying right by DFW.

[dingo222]

If they ask about a misdemeanor, I'd disclose it. I've seen ppl get burned by not disclosing somthing even though it was "expunged." Remember, they are going to do a NCIC check on you, an NDR check, and probably check every clerk of court s office for every county you have lived in for the past 5 yrs, probably even 10. I know a guy that guy hired at XJT with a fresh DWI becuase he disclosed it and explained how it changed him for the better, yada yada. Best of luck!

[Minnesota_Flyer]

Originally Posted by dingo222

If they ask about a misdemeanor, I'd disclose it. I've seen ppl get burned by not disclosing somthing even though it was "expunged." Remember, they are going to do a NCIC check on you, an NDR check, and probably check every clerk of court s office for every county you have lived in for the past 5 yrs, probably even 10. I know a guy that guy hired at XJT with a fresh DWI becuase he disclosed it and explained how it changed him for the better, yada yada. Best of luck!

X 50

If you have a criminal conviction that is "expunged," it is still likely going to show up on a criminal history search. If you answer "no," when asked whether you've ever been convicted, and then the employer finds the conviction, the employer isn't likely to care very much about the expungement. As far as the employer's concerned, you are dishonest, and dishonesty is going to get you rejected about every time.

[bradj2000]

I have a class 1 felony from when I was 20, when I talked to the head recruiter at skywest he said if its ten years old or more, dont really worry about it. FAA has a list of 22 (or abouts) offenses which bar employment, things like rape, murder and treason are on there, I dont sweat it, so you shouldn't either.

[IFLYAAORD]

I agree completely with both of the posts above. When I was 21 I received a DUI/alcohol. I completed my supervison and mandated classes, and have worked for DHS and two different law enforcement agencies since then. In my current occupation I am a fully sworn Deputy Sheriff. Bottom line is that potential employers expect, and respect forthrightness with past mistakes along as there has been no pattern to suggest that behavior has continued. Best of luck.

[TexasFlyer]

I'm 33 now and when I was 29 I got convinced of domestic assault (which this day mind boggles me but I care less since I know my track record before and after that is impeccible... guess we all make an honest mistake at times). Anyway, I'm pursuing my flight career and not worried about any of this since I know it'll never happen again and my track record before and after proves that. I'm sure interviews will still happen since it's not a disqualifying factor to have one blemish and based on the in-person interview and my prior career and my overall personal history, I am certain I'll excel in my career. I always have. Just admit your mistakes, learn a lesson from them, and go on in a positive way.

[EatSleepFly]

Originally Posted by TexasFlyer

I'm 33 now and when I was 29 I got convinced of domestic assault (which this day mind boggles me but I care less since I know my track record before and after that is impeccible... guess we all make an honest mistake at times).

Or is it you just finally got caught?

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by TexasFlyer

guess we all make an honest mistake at times)

Hmm, not sure I would refer to it as an "honest" mistake. That would be like forgetting to pick up the kids after soccer practice.

[SteveC]

Kind of hard to judge when you don't know any of the specifics, don't you think?

[TexasFlyer]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Kind of hard to judge when you don't know any of the specifics, don't you think?

In simple terms, and per the police report. I was 29 and had an 18 year old girlfriend living with me (some call me lucky, but that was more like stupid... although at the time it sounded good). Anyway, I come in from work and she was lit up drunk. Quite a frequent occurance that we spoke about before and I aksed her not to drink any more since she becomes quite aggressive when she drank (even I agreed to quite drinking socially as it was only fair in my mind, if you ask someone to do something, be prepared to do it yourself too).

Anyway, she ran after me like she was going to tackle me. I pushed her onto the couch and asked her not to move until she sobered up (no marks and this was more in defense to her running toward me). She got up and came at me again. This time I actually locked myself outside in the garage and asked her friend to call the police. The police came and upon my statement of me pushing her onto the couch they arrested me. So pretty much called the cops on myself. Upon paying the whole $25 bail I walked home and kicked her out (good thing I actually had the $25 on me!). We never spoke again.

Lessons learned. Never call the cops unless you know the law. Because I pushed her, no matter how gentle, that was considered domestic assualt. Some states also have a mandatory arrest upon arriving at any domestic call. This was the case. The police have no discretion in these matters. You can Google it and see all kinds of silly stories about this law. But again, it is made to protect the larger problem of those woman who take crap from guys and never speak up (no law can please everyone unfortunitely). Again, know the law before asking polcie to help you since they might not help in the way you hoped. Oh, and never do so much as put up a hand to anyone who lives with you. Let them run into you first before you call anyone for anything. Then at least it won't be your fault. Best case though, resovle any situation peacefully on your own, no matter how crazy it is.

Oh, the case was not pursued by her. It was mandatory for the state to pursue (no way out of this stuff). In the end my attorney told me to plead no contest because if it went to trail the simple fact that I pushed her onto a couch. So no matter the intent, this was considered the first "blow" and considered domestic assault because she lived with me (if it was someone who did not live with me, it would have been considered nothing at all!). So I did as told. I pleaded no contest. The judge gave me 6 months probation which went very smoothly as you can guess.

I laugh about this at times and just hope this does not affect me in my career. I just know it won't ever happen again, so I am not too worried. Like i said, just a simple mistake. I keep a copy of the report in case ever asked about it since then it becomes obvious nothing serious occured. It's unfortunite the event occured at all.

Now you can all laugh at me too