I got a first offender pardon in the mail my time was not up and I had to pay resisitution. I didn't commit the charge but the courts needed an conviction so the got one. Now I'm trying to be a cop.. I'm getting different answers from everyone I want to know is the charge still on my record are did they finally took the time out to look at my charge and pardon me from all charges... what is a first offender pardon,. I got all my rights back and everything so can someone please help me.

Only you know what the deal was. And the terms vary on meaning depending on location.

Normally the first offender programs merely leave the charges open till you finish your program and then they dismiss the charges, so there is no formal conviction.

A pardon normally means they found you guilty or you plead guilty and after the program they gave you a pardon for the crime.

In most cases, such information about your court case would not be known, But the police report they run will see about the charges, the plea, and the sentence and the pardon.

Also you will normally have to take a polygraph about any crimes you did. This job is one of the few jobs that let them ask you about crimes you did that you were not even caught.

Also was it a felony or a misdemeanor.

In the State Of Louisiana, first time felony offenders are often eligiable for a First Offender Pardon. However, the felony will still be on your record. And that will bar you from being a police officer, or a doctor, or a paramedic. You will need a Governor's pardon, and for that you will have to go through the parole/probation board, get a favorable recommendation, and pray that the Governor will sign it. This is the only way that will totally restore you to the status of innocent... If the offense was a misdemeanor, then you were likely given (again in Louisiana) an Article 894, which restores you to innocence and sets the conviction aside. You must make sure that it is removed(expunged) from your record BEFORE you apply for the police department, as they can use that to disqualify you. And finally, I haven't known too many departments to use a polygraph, as they are not admissible in court, but there is an psychiatric exam given in a lot of departments, and a thorough background check. Good luck!