I'm 27 and have six 8-year old misdemeanors (not very serious crimes). How realistic is it for me to obtain a low-level security clearance in IT?

[Anonymous]

I'm 27 and really struggled to get through college in terms of motivating myself. Fortunately, I recently got an internship in software engineering with a good company. They are technically not a federal contractor, but in practice they are very similar to one. My location works primarily with selling cybersecurity software and similar products to government agencies. Any idea how much of an issue will six 8-year old misdemeanors have on my ability to get the lowest level of clearance? I have a DUI, petty theft (stole beer), 2 drunk in public charges, and 2 resisting arrests, all in a short time frame. Was a bad time in my life. I got these charges all around the age of 19. Just wanna be aware of how far up I can go in this company, given that you may need (not sure) a security clearance to move up in the food chain here.

[Smoke-n-Growls]

I'd get in touch with a lawyer and ask if there's a way you can get your record cleaned up.

But you might be SOL. Since you're in sales and not in the actual CyberSec side, you might be okay, and just limited to what accounts you're allowed to handle.

[Asker]

I live in Virginia, it isn't possible to expunge convictions here

[Smoke-n-Growls]

Oh I see. I'm sorry.

You really might he hooped. If you move, can it be expunged or is it tied to the State the crimes were committed in?

I'd still contact a labour lawyer, see if they have recommendations on how to handle it.

But you really might be hooped. I'm sorry. It's bullshit they can't be expunged.

[worldscolide]

It depends on the age. I personally had some issues back in 2002. Legally companies are barred from checking more than 10 years back. Unless they are government. Most companies will only go back 5 years. This is due to how expensive it is to actually check back that far. This includes felonies by the way. It also depends on how severe they were. What they were for. If it involved violence, fire arms, alcohol, fraud, those might stop you from being employed.

[MTC29]

Offenses involving alcohol, drugs, firearms or misconduct will disqualify you, and you have six such offences.

Even so, the worst offence is the use of the make-believe word "wanna."