Criminal Record

USNFilms

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
86
Hey everyone, I came across this site a few days ago and it is actually quite helpful. However, I haven't found many threads regarding the effect of a criminal record on your application to the Naval Academy. Currently, I'm a Freshmen in high school and like most of you, I have planned on going to the Naval Academy almost my whole life. Though I am young, I am in advanced classes as it is, and I believe I have a good shot in getting into the Academy. Unfortunately, last summer, I was caught going into this abandoned house in my town and I was charged with Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief. The good news is that these convictions are not yet on my record, because I haven't went to court for them yet. My question is

If I am proven guilty, and these charges are on my record, will this effect my chances on getting in? AND, If this will effect my chances on getting in, by how much?

I appreciate all answers.

Thank you.
 
disclose everything honestly and in detail--you will have to on your application. since you are a freshman and have some time before applying you might want to write about the incident now while the facts are still fresh. Include any court appearance,fines paid, etc. also include any repercussions that you incurred at home (grounded, etc). Briefly, explain the lesson learned. You should also inform your BGO and let he/she guide you on this issue.
I could be wrong, but I think that as part of your packet prior to I-day, you will have to go to your local police station and have your record--criminal, traffic, etc--stamped/verified (whatever it's called)--to submit upon your arrival to usna.
Since you are a freshman, you do have the advantage of time and I think that the board looks for a pattern, at least on the small stuff, of misbehavior.
If you really have a need to explore derelict, abandoned buildings- come help us rebuild the MS Gulf Coast post Katrina--you can climb through, tear apart all you want. Alot of church groups from all over the country are here as well as Habitat for Humanity! Plus I'll feed you all of the best seafood you can eat! Happy Mardi Gras--Laissez les bon temps roule'
PS Geaux Saints
 
disclose everything honestly and in detail--you will have to on your application. since you are a freshman and have some time before applying you might want to write about the incident now while the facts are still fresh. Include any court appearance,fines paid, etc. also include any repercussions that you incurred at home (grounded, etc). Briefly, explain the lesson learned. You should also inform your BGO and let he/she guide you on this issue.
I could be wrong, but I think that as part of your packet prior to I-day, you will have to go to your local police station and have your record--criminal, traffic, etc--stamped/verified (whatever it's called)--to submit upon your arrival to usna.
Since you are a freshman, you do have the advantage of time and I think that the board looks for a pattern, at least on the small stuff, of misbehavior.
If you really have a need to explore derelict, abandoned buildings- come help us rebuild the MS Gulf Coast post Katrina--you can climb through, tear apart all you want. Alot of church groups from all over the country are here as well as Habitat for Humanity! Plus I'll feed you all of the best seafood you can eat! Happy Mardi Gras--Laissez les bon temps roule'
PS Geaux Saints

Thank you for your reply, I do intend on including this on my application because I don't want to lie. However, If these charges get dropped (which they probably will) should I still include this on my application?

Thanks again
 
there are probably alot of others on this forum who can answer this question better than I. You should PM one of the BGOs and get accurate information. That being said keep in mind that there are all sorts of security clearances and all of this information can be pulled up despite records being expunged.
Hang in there--it'll be ok. And always keep your goal in your sites--this will help you to weigh decisions with prudence.
also, I seem to remember that on the application form usna requires expunged material to be included.
 
The fact that you were not even in high school and the offense seems pritty minor I wouldn't think it would hurt you too much. Just don't make it a habit and disclose everything.
 
From what I understand, in one's appointment packet, there is a form that one brings to their local police department for them to complete and mail back to the USNA........three questions:

(1) Can this be submitted to the police department as soon as one gets the form for the police department to process.....or is there some other timeline and protocol that needs to be followed?
(2) If a non DUI traffic violation was downgraded from a 3 point violation to a 2 point violation......what do the police report on the form ... a 3 point violation, a 2 point violation......or a 3 point violation getting downgraded to a 2 point violation?
(3) Lastly and more for FYI......if a traffic violation was dismissed in a court of law, does that really get reported by the police to the USNA on the form (isn't one innocent until proven guilty?)

Tx
 
The fact that you were not even in high school and the offense seems pritty minor I wouldn't think it would hurt you too much. Just don't make it a habit and disclose everything.
Thanks for the input, and as for disclosure, I plan on telling it all.
 
Be sure you document everything and figure out why you did what you did and more importantly, what you learned and how you changed and evolved as a human being.
 
Be sure you document everything and figure out why you did what you did and more importantly, what you learned and how you changed and evolved as a human being.
Thanks for the response, as for documenting, I am currently in the process of summarizing the event with important details so that I can remember it better when I apply.
 
if you were arrested for this situation you have to document it. like everyone is saying tell them what happened and what you learned from it. I have been arrested twice, and both charges are expunged and over 2 years old. I have spoken with a former commadant at west point and he assures me that as long as it is expunged, or so on the admissions board will understand alot of us can be young and dumb, especially me!! lol
 
It is very unlikely that an event such as this, prior to high school or as a freshman, will have a negative effect on your application, provided no one was hurt. USNA recognizes that not everyone is perfect. As the above folks said, be honest. In terms of telling "what you learned from it," don't go overboard. Be honest there as well. Don't make up some huge story that doesn't ring true.

It is critical that you have a clean record going forward. And I'm not talking parking tickets or an occasional minor speeding ticket. Stay away from drugs and alcohol and anything that smacks of a repeat offense. Seriously. One mistake will likely be labeled a "childish" mistake. A second can quickly become a "pattern." And that won't be good. At all.
 
First, as recommended several times above, fully disclose the incident and the results along with what you have learned in the process. Second, keep away from such activities in the future.

Among the many reasons why police records are a problem for candidates is the fact that you will have to qualify for security clearances at several points in your service careers, including at the academy. If you are not able to pass the security investigation, you do not get the clearance and your value to the service is significantly diminished.

Be careful out there!
 
It is very unlikely that an event such as this, prior to high school or as a freshman, will have a negative effect on your application, provided no one was hurt. USNA recognizes that not everyone is perfect. As the above folks said, be honest. In terms of telling "what you learned from it," don't go overboard. Be honest there as well. Don't make up some huge story that doesn't ring true.

It is critical that you have a clean record going forward. And I'm not talking parking tickets or an occasional minor speeding ticket. Stay away from drugs and alcohol and anything that smacks of a repeat offense. Seriously. One mistake will likely be labeled a "childish" mistake. A second can quickly become a "pattern." And that won't be good. At all.
Thank you for your response. As for the rest of high school, I plan on staying out of trouble and hanging with the right group of kids. Over the summer I got caught up with a bad group of people, and thus, paid the consequences.
 
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