last minute problem

[dragmyster04]

I posted this on the military.com forums as well.

I am leaving for bootcamp on January 8th, and I ran into some last minute troubles yesterday. I was sifting through my legal and financial paperwork yesterday and I discovered the receipt (http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/790108875/m/8850091012001#) for a fine I had to pay for a violation in early 2007. I had a BB gun in my room on campus when I wasn't supposed to, and I got issued a court summons and had to pay $100 dollars. It wasn't a misdemeanor, or a criminal charge of any sort. However, I had completely forgotten about this incident until now, so I didn't tell them about it at MEPS. I called my recruiter immediately, and he said he would take care of it on Monday, that there shouldn't be any problems. Of course, since it's so close to my ship date, I am freaking out about this. Will this get me a DEP discharge because I didn't reveal about it when I enlisted? Or, if I won't be discharged, then will this affect my ship-off date? If you have any insight on this, please write back, at least I would like to know how this process works.

[Taylor]

I wouldnt worry about it. Just stay on your recruiter's butt about it.

The military does criminal background checks through the FBI. It doesnt become more extensive until your applying for Top Secret or above clearance, or applying for a commission. I know this from yeoman that works for MILPERS.

But again, do what you have to do, they arent going to bounce you out on a juvenile misdemeanor. The worse that would happen is that you have to spend an entire day getting it waivered. At least thats MY insight on it.

[8404]

I had a BB gun in my room on campus when I wasn't supposed to, ...It wasn't a misdemeanor, or a criminal charge of any sort...

What exactly was the charge, if it wasn't a misdemeanor? Was this 'court' you speak of, student court or was this through the judicial courts?

Word of caution, take Taylor's advice, stay on your Recruiter about this and ensure that there is some form of verification that the Recruiter did in fact TALK to somebody about this. My gut feeling is that he/she may think that it's not big deal and try and let it ride.

It is commendable that you reported this to your Recruiter. Reveal all to your Recruiter.

[dragmyster04]

The charge is a "violation," for having a BB gun on campus. A violation is lower than a misdemeanor, and it is not considered a criminal offense in New York, at least that's what the Warden of the Hamilton Police Department said when I called him yesterday. It is something more like a speeding ticket. I did indeed have to appear at the local court and pay a $100 fine plus a surcharge (I forget how much the surcharge was). My recruiter said he would take care of it on Monday, I was just worried that I would get discharged because I forgot to tell them at MEPS.

[Taylor]

No, I dont think violations count. I have a ton of speeding tickets (what can I say, Im punctual) and was "advised" by my recruiter to keep my mouth shut. Nothing ever came of it.

Again, my experiance.

[indolence]

You wont get discharged over that, dont worry.

[dragmyster04]

I'm sure it's not a big deal. After all, my background check was cleared. The reason I want to disclose it is first of all, because I don't want to lie about anything at MEPS, both for personal reasons, as well as because if I ever need a security clearance (say I get assigned to a sub, or try out and make it through the RECON pipeline, or even try to become an officer some day) they WILL find out about it. Those security checks are a lot more detailed than the standard one that non-security clearance recruits go through, and minor things like this pop up. But I really don't think it's gonna affect me much. I will take care of it on Monday and roll from there. Thanks for the advice.

[8404]

drag:

Keep us posted!