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My first offense was when I bit my ex in the arm this happened 14 years ago, I was arrested I was 19 years old. He didn't report it to the police until a month after it occured. I am not sure what they charged me with but I know it was a misdemeanor. The second time I was arrested in February of 2015 which was almost six years ago. They charged me with vandalism. I accidently broke a turtle tank by throwing something. I paid my fine and that was it.
I really want to become a paraeducator and has turned my life around, I want to work with handicapped kids because I have a son with autism so it has really made me want to help kids with disabilities. I live in NH. Will they hire me with a misdemeanor from 14 years ago? I was 19 I am 33 now? Or should I get my record expunged?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I can only respond as far as the State of Washington where my wife is a Para. All new school employees, even custodians are subject to background checks through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Abuse or neglect of a child is definitely grounds for denial, but it's really up to the district to decide on less serious convictions. Recent Federal law has banned going back more than 7 years, so you should be OK since it's been 13.
If you explain honestly on the application, I think you will be fine. It may also be wise to ask an attorney to see if any of this should be written down. Sometimes misdemeanors mean nothing for a background check, only felonies.
Hemlock: Yeah its been a long time. Even the police thought it was a joke and told me to stay away from my ex because him and his boyfriend were trying to cause trouble, so even he thought it was ridiculous but they had to arrest anyways.
Regarding the first arrest, were you convicted, or just arrested? If convicted, there is a big difference between a disorderly conduct conviction, an assault conviction, and a domestic violence conviction. You need to know what you were convicted of.
There is more to story #2. You don't get criminally charged with vandalism because of an accident. It sounds like you were engaged in some type of criminal behavior that ended up damaging someone's property. You don't have to explain anything here, but the licensing board is going to want to know.
You have a misdemeanor from 14 years ago, and one from 6 years ago.
Find out what you were convicted of and see if the state licensing board can offer any guidance.
I was convicted. I had to do anger management I know it was a misdemeanor. I bit him in the arm And the second time I was in a verbal argument with an ex and through something and yes the tank accidently broke. I was charged with vandalism and had to pay for the costs of the turtle tank. Since those two things I haven't gotten in trouble. Would it help to try to get my record expunged?
Anger management and special needs kids, would be a no no in my book. I would look for another line of work.
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