I am currently in college majoring in criminal justice. My plans are to become a probation officer. In 2003 I was convicted of a felony. PC 32 ( knowledge of a crime and never told authorities) I am in process of expunging the felony. I have never been in trouble ever in my life besides this. Not even a parking ticket. I live in California. Will this be possible. I heard the only thing I wouldn't be able to do is be a police officer, which I don't want to be.

Hello e:

I don't think so. I believe PO's are "peace officers", in that they have to power to arrest and carry a firearm. You can't, so I don't think you can do the job.

Now, if you were to get pardoned instead of just getting an expungement, you could.

excon

I read somewhere that in ca sometimes you can get the felony reduced to a misdemeanor, maybe if the actual status of the conviction is a misdemeanor then maybe you have a chance.

If you used a lawyer for the expunge then ask him about that. The expungment just hides the charge,you need to make sure the conviction was reduced. If your able to get the charge expunged,I would guess there at least a chance for it to be reduced,it might even be part of the process. Reduce to a misdeamanor then get it expunged.

California Expungement Lawyers - Los Angeles Criminal Record Attorneys - Law Offices of Stull & Stull (http://www.expungecriminalrecordcalifornia.com/criminal-records-101e.htm)





There are many Benefits by reducing your felony to a misdemeanor. They are as follows:



* It can restore your right to carry a firearm
* You can lawfully say you have never been convicted of a felony (penal code section 17 (b) 3 states it reduced to a misdemeanor “for all purposes”
* You can now obtain many professional licenses, certain licensing agencies like the NASD (your license to become a stockbroker) and Department of Real Estate both require a felony to be reduced to a misdemeanor and expunged your record as a requirement before the will grant you a license to be a stockbroker or real estate agent.
* You chances for employment are dramatically increased. Many employers' insurance premiums exclude convicted felons.
* You will now qualify for certain loans and government benefits.


Once your record is expunged, when filling out employment applications you can legally answer “No” to direct questions of whether you were convicted of a crime.



There are 3 exceptions: 1) in an application for peace officer or public office, 2) in an application for a state license, or 3) contracting with the California Lottery Commission. In all other cases, you can deny the conviction. See penal code sections 1203.4 in criminal records 101.

Hello again, a:

Well, there you go. I've heard of "wobblers" before, but I thought any reduction would have to come BEFORE a conviction was had.

But, nope. I was wrong.

excon