Can a Felon Become a Police Officer?
One of the most common questions that our NYPD disqualification appeal lawyer receives is if felons could become police officers. Since there are many people who may have infringed the law at some point that wish to change their careers, this is a question that we are glad to answer.
As you may know, there are different levels of law infractions, with felonies being the most serious. If you are a felon and want to see where you could take your career in the future, we are here to help. Can a felon become a police officer? Continue reading below to learn more.
Can You Become a Police Officer With a Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanors are a less severe criminal conviction than felonies, but they could still present an obstacle for people that want to join the police force. Our police disqualification attorney notes that a misdemeanor is not usually an issue for people that want to join the police force, but serious misdemeanors are. Misdemeanors that involve violence, issues with temper, petty theft, fraud, and disorderly conduct are usually enough to merit a disqualification. However, some light misdemeanors like DUIs, public intoxication, and a poor driving record could usually be appealed with success.
Can You Become a Police Officer With a Felony?
Simply put, a convicted felon cannot become a police officer. If you are a convicted felon, you will not be able to practice law enforcement, as it demonstrates that you have committed serious crimes in the past. Some common felonies that disqualify someone from police work include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Felony assault
- Perjury
- Vehicular homicide
Unfortunately, these felony convictions make it difficult to obtain certain jobs, and police work is no different.
Can a Convicted Felon Become a Police Officer if Their Record Is Expunged?
Our NYPD disqualification appeals attorney often gets this question because it is quite common for people to expunge their records once they have committed a crime. In the case of the NYPD, having an expunged record could make it easier to get accepted into the NYPD, but it is not completely guaranteed.
As an experienced disqualification appeal attorney, there are very few cases of people with expunged records having them completely overlooked to make it easier for them to get accepted into an academy. In many states, having an expunged or sealed record would be enough for consideration into the police force, but New York makes a special exception for those that are applying for jobs in law enforcement.
More About Disqualification Appeals New York
Can a felon become a police officer? Most likely not. However, Disqualification Appeals New York is dedicated to helping people that have been disqualified from joining the NYPD through an NYPD Notice of Proposed Disqualification realize their goals of becoming police officers. Whether this is our NYPD character disqualification appeals, NYPD medical disqualification appeals, and NYPD psychological disqualification appeals. Contact us today to learn more.