I need words of wisdom

[spazoid86]

I need advice....and wisdom

So I am 100% done with my EMT-B course. I was given the Exam application today

But I have this delimea....

On the Application it says

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the United States or any country or foreign jurisdiction, other than a minor traffic
violation for which a fine of less than $1,000.00 was assessed (conviction includes a guilty plea or admission to sufficient facts)?

Well I looked at my CORI only to see that I had 2 misdemeanors from when I was 17 1/2.
Disorderly Conduct and Threatening.

I am now 24, but I am worried that they are going to hold this against me and not let me take the exam. I was just a kid back then. I lived in a group home, and got into a fight with a staff member, and threatened him out of anger. I will obviously be honest and tell them yes, and explain why with the following letter...

One of the questions on the exam application asks “ Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the United States or any country or foreign jurisdiction, other than a minor traffic
Violation for which a fine of less than $1,000.00 was assessed (conviction includes a guilty plea or admission to sufficient facts)?” Due to the fact I have answered Yes to this question, I have been asked for an explanation to the misdemeanors in which I had an admission of sufficient facts.
What I am about to explain took place over 6 years ago, so I can only explain it to the best of my knowledge. Back in May of 2004, when I was 17 ½ I lived in a group home because my parents could not take care of me. During that time I was very angry at my parents, and confused about my life. I did not want to be in a group home, I wanted to live with my family. Not long after I began living at this group home I got into a verbal argument with one of the staff members there. They would not let me attend my lacrosse game for school because I had not made a certain level within the home. One thing led to another and I was asked to go to my room. When I refused, the staff member tried to escort me up to my room. I got mad when the staff member touched me, and told him not to touch me. I pulled away from this staff member, and went back into the dining room. When the staff member tried again to escort me back to my room, I got angry and threatened him, telling him not to touch me again.
It was at this point the police were called and I was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Threatening. I appeared in court, and the case was COWF for one year. I was asked to pay fines, but my social worker requested I do community service, because of my living situation I did not have a job, and was in High School still. There was a misunderstanding with the courts and I defaulted for not paying my fines, however that was cleared up because I was doing community service, in lue of my fines. I finished my community service one year later , and the case was closed.
That was a dark time in my early adulthood, because I felt like an outcast. I can say with 100% certainly, that what I said was purely out of anger, and was never going to be acted upon. I dealt with my anger in an inappropriate manner and take full responsibility. I understand what I did was the wrong way to handle my anger, and in no way condone those actions today. I have since then matured greatly, learned from that mistake, and know what the consequences for my actions are today. I was just a young adult with no real direction back then. .
Ever since I graduated High school I have wanted to be a Paramedic. I have wanted to do nothing but save lives, and make this world a better place I have turned my life around and have become a better person. I have worked very hard to get to the place I am in my life today, and to further my passion for becoming a Paramedic. I ask that this mistake I made please not be held against me as I journey towards my final career of being a Paramedic, to make my life a more joyful and fulfilling experience.

But should I be worrying as much as I really am? I am losing sleep, and losing time during the day!!!

I guess I just need to hear some words of wisdom, Especially if your an EMT in MASS...

 

[Amycus]

Edit: Wiping all this so far, let me restart now that I read all of your post.

I am an EMT-B in MA, and when I applied for the state exam I did the same thing you did, albiet my letter was a bit longer, but it's because I tend to be wordy. I had 2 misdemeanors about 18 months before I sat for the exam. I explained everything in the letter. It took a BIT longer to get process going, and I had to dig up paperwork with the findings from my lawyer, but I was allowed to sit for the exam. Getting arrested was really a life changing experience. I'm not saying everyone should at some point (lol), but if you have a VERY bad habit...getting on the wrong side of the law is the best way to fix it.

 

[Pittsburgh77]

As previously stated, just be open about it. Unfortunately, I have a 3rd degree misdemeanor on my record [lowest grade in PA] so Im just upfront about it and haven't had any problems.

 

[spazoid86]

I am an EMT-B in MA.

I have/had a pair of misdemeanors on my record when I applied for my job from only 18 months prior.

I talked to our HR manager and was very open about the guilty pleas, along with a letter explaining the circumstances of what happened, the findings, and what I learned since then.

I was hired no problem. They appreciated my honesty. Be honest. If you've learned since then, and you can honestly explain this to your employer- do it. If they choose not to hire you and you're a different person now...it's their issue not yours.

Its not about getting hired at this point. It is simply about being able to take the practical. I have to send in this application with my explanation, and the supporting documents

You don't think OEMS will deny me the chance to take my practical?
I have to send in the application this week.
Like I said it was a stupid mistake I said when I was angry... I literally have already cried, worrying, stressed out beyond belief.

 

[Amycus]

It took a tiny bit longer to hear back from the state than everyone else, but they let me sit for the exam.

 

[spazoid86]

It took a tiny bit longer to hear back from the state than everyone else, but they let me sit for the exam.

Any suggestions of what else I should say. I want it to be truthful and honest.

Not to point you out, but were your Misdemeanors worse?

And what exactly are they looking for as far as documentaions?

Court Dockets?

 

[Amycus]

Possession offenses. I was younger and stupidier and I broke my old habits after that. I learned alot from the incident.

Edit: Also, just say what you feel necessary. If you feel it should be said, say it.

 

[spazoid86]

I am just afraid that my stupid mistake, will ruin my dream of being a paramedic. I have wanted this for so long.

 

[Amycus]

Just relax for now. I made it through. If for some unknown reason they actually say no, talk to people, see what can be done.

 

[goodgrief]

include proof if you can that it is cleared up.
Where you charged as a juvie? if so it shouldnt be on your record because you were a minor.

 

[spazoid86]

include proof if you can that it is cleared up.
Where you charged as a juvie? if so it shouldnt be on your record because you were a minor.

No unfortunately I had been 17 for 6 months, and in the state of MASS 17 is an adult. Everyone I have told in my family says not to worry, but lets be honest...everyone would. I am trying really hard to make a life for me and my GF of 5 years. I am that stressed, that I turned to all of you...complete strangers, for help and comfort...seems odd, but its helping a bit

 

[spazoid86]

Amycus...what documents did you have to send with the application?

 

[Lola99]

I didn't read everything here completely, but what I did read reminded me of some people I've worked with.

1. A current co-worker of mine has an I-don't-know-how-many-years-old felony and was allowed to take his written. He failed by one question and hasn't gone back yet.

2. My ex-supervisor also had a felony, but the owner of my company vouched for him with the state and that allowed him to become certified once he passed.

3. I know PPPLENTY of other techs with lesser histories. It didn't hinder them in the slightest.

 

[spazoid86]

i know I am trying not to be skeptical....but its easier said then done

 

[MrBrown]

Is another country not a foreign jurisdiction? Hmmm

 

[spazoid86]

Is another country not a foreign jurisdiction? Hmmm

What does that have to do with anything?

 

[JJR512]

Is another country not a foreign jurisdiction? Hmmm

What does that have to do with anything?

It doesn't really bear on the situation or topic at hand at all, but MrBrown was referring to this, from your original post:

...On the Application it says

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the United States or any country or foreign jurisdiction...

I agree, MrBrown, it does seem to be an oddly-put inquiry.

 

[spazoid86]

O.... Ha...weird..

So I am looking for more opinions

 

[HotelCo]

Just tell them, and see what happens. Sitting around, worrying about it isn't going to help. Just put in your packet, and see what's what.

.

 

[JJR512]

O.... Ha...weird..

So I am looking for more opinions

My opinion is that I think it is odd that you had to look at your record to find out that you had two misdemeanor convictions. I realize it was a quarter of your lifetime ago, but standing up in court while a judge looks at you and says "GUILTY" would tend to stick out in one's memory, I'd think.