Interested in becoming an EMT

S

Stubborn

Forum Ride Along
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
In the past couple of months I've been very interested in taking emt-basic classes at my local community college. I want to do this badly and serve my community, BUT I am on Georgia's First Offender probation... I was told my record would be sealed after probation was done. I realize this was the biggest mistake in my life and I regret and have changed completely...

Over a year ago I was arrested for stealing from a car. It was my first offense, I had just turned 19. I live in Georgia.

I was told that since I plead First Offender, That I will NOT be a convicted felon after my probation is over.

When I complete my probation will I able able to find a job as an emt since my record will be sealed? Could I take classes now that I'm on the probation and doing well?

Note: I'm doing good, Only have to report quarterly due to my good behavior and have graduated from my MRT class. Fine almost paid off.
 
Well the good news is that it isn't a felony. But I don't think any place would take you while you are on probation. Best bet is to call your local community college and tell them whats up and see if they will let you take a class.
 
Stubborn said:
In the past couple of months I've been very interested in taking emt-basic classes at my local community college. I want to do this badly and serve my community, BUT I am on Georgia's First Offender probation... I was told my record would be sealed after probation was done. I realize this was the biggest mistake in my life and I regret and have changed completely...

Over a year ago I was arrested for stealing from a car. It was my first offense, I had just turned 19. I live in Georgia.

I was told that since I plead First Offender, That I will NOT be a convicted felon after my probation is over.

When I complete my probation will I able able to find a job as an emt since my record will be sealed? Could I take classes now that I'm on the probation and doing well?

Note: I'm doing good, Only have to report quarterly due to my good behavior and have graduated from my MRT class. Fine almost paid off.
Click to expand...

I think your biggest hurdle is going to be time. Obviously people make stupid mistakes but being that yours was only a year ago, I see that as being the biggest problem with you trying to get hired. I found this http://health.state.ga.us/programs/...-07 Licensing of Convicted Felons v011106.pdf
on the Georgia Department of Human Resources website http://health.state.ga.us/programs/ems/ You said you won't be a convicted felon but good information none the less. As far as school is concerned you need to contract the head of the EMS department at the school you want to attend. I know for me I need to get a background check and finger printing before I can do my field and clinical ride outs.
 
Thanks a lot guys. I was hoping for more responses but thanks for your time regardless.
 
You need to discuss this with your local law enforcement or your attorney. Different systems have different processes regarding 'sealed records'.

A record can be 'sealed' but still available to certain agencies, ie the federal government/military for security clearance situations. With some deferred prosecution programs the records are actually destroyed or returned to you upon completion of the terms of your deferral. If the case was merely put on probation, the public record of your arrest may still be available while the record of your probation might be sealed.

Very dicey to play with when your career is at stake. I'd take the time to sit with someone in your local justice system to discuss how it works in your locality. In my state, the records are 'sealed' and only available to some agencies for a period of time determined by the terms of the probation. Upon completion of probation, in order for the records to be expunged, or removed from the public records, you need to fill out paperwork and request that it be done, otherwise it then becomes an open public record.
 
Step 1) Call your state EMS agency, ask them this question. They will have the definite answer, and honestly, give the only answer that matters.

Step 2) I doubt a school will refuse to educate you based on non-violent priors that were settled with a CWOF (continuance without finding)? They may however, and again, like the state EMS agency, ask the school before you register.

Like EMTcop said, time will be the hardest struggle. Perhaps your EMS agency will make you wait for a grace period. No big deal. Take further/different avenues of education while you have to wait. Time will suck for a long while, and it was your fault, and every employer will give you extra scrutiny.

Step 3) Sure you've had more talks from people than you'd care to hear... but now you've got to walk more straight and narrow and work harder than anybody else your age. But it may make you a better person in the end.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top