Many people with felony convictions are interested in joining the military. Unfortunately, a felony conviction is often a barrier to entry into the military. To join the military, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. A felony conviction can disqualify you from joining the military, but some exceptions are.
Can You Join the Military With a Felony?
What Your Felony Conviction Was For
The first thing to consider is what your felony conviction was for. Some felonies are more serious than others and will automatically disqualify you from joining the military. These felonies include:
· Murder
· Manslaughter
· Rape
· Sexual Assault
· Child pornography
· Drug trafficking
If you have been convicted of any of these crimes, you will not be able to join the military. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Other felonies may not automatically disqualify you from joining the military, but they will likely make it more difficult to be accepted. These crimes include:
· Burglary
· Larceny
· Assault
· Arson
If you have been convicted of any of these crimes, you may still be able to join the military, but you will need to speak with a recruiter to find out.
What Your Current Legal Status Is
Another thing to consider is your current legal status. If you are currently on probation or parole, you will not be able to join the military. You must have completed your probation or parole before you can even begin joining the military.
If you are currently in jail, you will not be able to join the military. You must have been released from jail and have a clean record for at least one year before you can begin joining the military.
How Long It Has Been Since Your Conviction
The length of time since your conviction is also a factor. Generally speaking, the longer it has been since your conviction, the more likely you will be accepted into the military. However, there are no guarantees.
If you have been convicted of a felony, it is important to speak with a recruiter to determine your eligibility. There may be some exceptions to the rules, but it is best to be prepared for the worst. The military is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it is not right for everyone.
Minor Or Adult Felony Charge
The type of felony charge can also make a difference. Generally, juvenile felony charges will not disqualify you from joining the military. However, adult felony charges will disqualify you.
If you are unsure whether your felony conviction will disqualify you from joining the military, it is best to speak with a recruiter. They will be able to tell you what your options are and help you begin the process of joining the military. It is important to remember that there are no guarantees, but it is worth trying to join the military with a felony conviction. The experience can be life-changing.
How Can I Join the Military with a Felony?
They include:
Obtaining a Waiver
You can potentially join the military with a felony by obtaining a waiver. A waiver means that your criminal history will be overlooked and will not automatically disqualify you from serving.
To obtain a waiver, you need to speak with a recruiter and explain your criminal history. The recruiter will then submit your information to a board for review. The board will determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver.
It is important to note that even if you are granted a waiver, it does not mean that you will be accepted into the military. It simply means that your criminal history will not automatically disqualify you.
Appealing Your Conviction
Another option is to appeal your conviction. This option is only available if you believe that you were wrongfully convicted of a crime.
If you can appeal your conviction successfully, it will be removed from your record. This will make it easier for you to join the military, as your criminal history will no longer be an issue.
It is important to note that appealing your conviction can be lengthy and complex. It is best to speak with an attorney before taking this step.
Pardoning Your Conviction
Another option is to seek a pardon for your conviction. A pardon essentially means that your crime will be forgiven and no longer appear on your record.
To obtain a pardon, you will need to contact the governor of your state. The governor will then decide whether or not to issue a pardon.
It is important to note that pardoning your conviction is not the same as pardoning someone who has been convicted of a crime. Pardoning someone who has been convicted of a crime means that they are allowed to go free.
If you are interested in pardoning your conviction, it is best to speak with an attorney. They can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of being granted a pardon. Joining the military with a felony may seem impossible, but it is not impossible. There are several ways to potentially join the military with a felony conviction. Speak with a recruiter to find out more about your options. The military is a challenging and rewarding experience, and it may be the right choice for you.
Can I Join The Military With A Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanor convictions that do require a waiver include:
Simple Assault
This is any form of Assault that does not result in serious injury to the victim.
Battery
This is any form of offensive touching, including spitting on someone or striking them with an object.
DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drug possession
Possession of illegal drugs, even small amounts, is grounds for disqualification from the military.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a form of theft, and it will disqualify you from joining the military.
Disturbing the peace
This includes disorderly conduct, such as public drunkenness or fighting.
Resisting arrest
This is an attempt to avoid or prevent being arrested by law enforcement.
Drinking in public
This is any alcohol consumption in a public place.
Criminal trespass
This is an unauthorized entry onto another person’s property.
Vandalism
This is any intentional damage to property, such as graffiti or breaking windows.
Disorderly conduct
This includes disruptive behavior in a public place, such as being loud or disruptive in a movie theater.
Failure to appear, contempt of court
This includes any failure to appear in court when ordered to do so and any type of contempt of court.
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you may still be able to join the military. You will need to obtain a waiver from your recruiter. The waiver will allow your criminal history to be overlooked and will not automatically disqualify you from serving.
It is important to note that even if you are granted a waiver, it does not mean that you will be accepted into the military. It simply means that your criminal history will not automatically disqualify you.
Minor convictions that do not require a waiver include:
Jaywalking
This is the act of walking across a street in an area where it is not allowed.
Possession of alcohol by a minor
This includes any possession of alcohol by someone who is not legally allowed to drink.
Trespassing
This is when someone enters another person’s property without permission.
Vandalism
This is the intentional destruction of property, such as graffiti or smashing windows.
Speeding
This is driving over the speed limit.
Running a red light
This is running a red light when you are not supposed to.
Minor traffic violations
These are any other traffic violations not listed above, such as improper lane changes or failure to use a turn signal.
Seatbelt / Child restraint violation
This is not wearing a seatbelt or using a child restraint when you are supposed to.
Improper use of horn
This is using your car horn in a way that is not allowed, such as honking at pedestrians.
Having no driver’s license
You do not have a driver’s license, and you are driving anyway.
If you have been convicted of a minor offense, you may still be able to join the military. You will need to speak with your recruiter to learn more about your options. Joining the military can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and it may be the right choice for you.
Conclusion
If you have been convicted of a felony, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to join the military. There are a few exceptions, but most convictions will automatically disqualify you from service. There are other options available to you, so please speak with a recruiter to find out more. Thank you for reading!
