I was caught for credit card fraud-now what?

Question

I live in Massachusetts.

When I was 15 I stole someone's credit card number and tried to buy a dvd online. Needless to say i was caught and now it's on my juvinile record. Credit card fraud! It sounds so bad I can barely say it out loud. It's my only flaw on my recocrd. Nothing else but this. No criminal record. My record is not sealed. I'm 20 and in college for criminal justice. Is all hope lost for getting a job in this field? Will government agencies look at this and not accept me? Should i just quit now? This has been bothering me for so long and I feel so hopeless. Can someone shed light on this? Can someone with the knoledge tell me if this will disqualify me from getting a job as a police officer (for example)?

Working in the criminal justice field is my dream and i want to follow my dream. I know it's credit card fraud but doesn't the fact that it's juvinile make any difference? I was 15 years old! Do I have a chance? With a BS from Northeastern??

Respectfully,
Mike

Answer 1

it sucks but thats what you get, even at 15, that was still pretty dumb
you have to be able to get a job somewhere though
thats just what i think
but again, shame shame...

Answer 2

If it ever comes up in an interview, just be prepared to explain that it was something stupid that you did when you were younger and you have definately learned your lesson now and want to move on with your life. If all of our past mistakes haunted us, none of us would ever get anywhere in life!

From Wikipedia:
"Unlike normal proceedings, which are almost always open to the public, juvenile courts are usually closed to the public. Juvenile records are often sealed (made so that they cannot be seen), and are sometimes even cleared when the juvenile reaches a certain age (usually eighteen or twenty-one). In Massachusetts, all court records, including juvenile court records, exist forever. Sealing or expunging a juvenile court record in Massachusetts does nothing. The record is still available to law enforcement agencies and the courts. It is common practice (and in some places even a law) for the news media to not report the name of any minor involved in criminal proceedings. Juvenile court cases are usually decided upon by a judge, rather than by a jury."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_juvenile_justice_system

1. You need to go to the courts and ask THEM about sealing them and raise your concerns!!!

2. If you look for a job in another state, they may not have access to your juvenile record from MA.

3. If you are indeed pursuing a criminal justice degree can't you ask one of your teachers the laws/issues about this particular problem?

Best of luck.

Answer 3

It could have an impact on ones decision of your career, but I think you can also use it to your advantage. I think you can say that because of this and learning how what oyu did was so wrong that it had such an impact that you wanted to persue criminal justice. You were a minor and if you are completely honest and don't try to hide that you did this, I think your chances are as good as anyone elses. Good luck hun. Keep trecking for your dreams and goals. Don't let a mistake made at age 15 make you give up. If you want it bad enough, you will accomplish your goals.

Answer 4

Mike. do this.
Take a trip to your local police station.
Explain it to them, and ask how much it will hurt you.
Also, go down to Govt center and check with a law enforcement agency there, such as State police, FBI, whatever.
You will get it right from the experts,and all it'll cost you is a few trips on the 'T"., Now, won;t that be better than worrying about it?

You could call, but by doing it in person, you just might make a friend in the right place. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

I personally know police officers who had juvenile records. As long as you are now honest and have learned from your mistakes, that is what they are looking for. People in law enforcement can spot a crook or a liar a mile away though, so when you are interviewing, be completely honest and open about it and make sure to tell them the experience changed you for the better. As long as you are a good person with noble intentions, you will have no problems getting a job in law enforcement. Good luck!

Answer 6

I think they will look at it and it will not be held against you. If it was a felony, then that's different. At 15, this shows a character flaw, nothing else. Getting your degree and going into law enforcement more than makes up for it. It is no different then someone who went thru a messy divorce or someone with speeding tickets or court appearance fro DWI. They become cops. Just be honest when asked about it and state it as it was, immaturity at a young age, a bad decision. Look at Guiliani, he's speaking up about his character flaws. Use it to your advantage, past experience. Good Luck.

Answer 7

It shouldn't be enough to instantly disqualify you. The only thing you can do about it is be honest and upfront. Whatever you do, do not LIE about it. I have had friends not get into the PD because they lied about something in their history, whereas what they actually did wouldn't have affected them that much.

Bottom line, if you don't tell them and the find out about it (which they will)? Then you're screwed.

Answer 8

maybe look into getting a lawyer to see if something can be done to ur record being that u were a juvenile and al ....a lot of young people make mistakes ...best of luck to u and i hope u find the dream job u r looking for....

Answer 9

It may not be an instant disqualification, but getting hired in Law Enforcement is a competitive process.

Most of your competition will not have been charged and/or convicted with something as serious as credit card fraud.

Best case scenario, you are facing a steep uphill battle.

Answer 10

You probably have a 60% chance that you will not be able to, because of that. Good luck, and I hope you can be a police officer with no problems!

Answer 11

i own a business and when i run a backround check on my prospective employee, those little juvie record will show up. as for your eligibility as a law enforcement agent, i do not think that will make a big impact. will it affect your job application? i believe it will at a minimum level. good luck and keep your nose clean.