Legal Question in Military Law in Florida

Re: expunged

I understand your concerns having served in the military for 22 years. However, expunged does not mean that you did not do something that violated the law. When you join, the military wants information on you. Later, as you move up the ranks, you may require a security clearance or a higher security clearance. Therefore, the military wants to know what kind of person they are getting when you sign up. You would probably get a different answer from a JAG lawyer than you would a recruiter. There is a Staff Judge Advocate in Orlando at the 143D Transcom that could probably help you with this question. Unless you are talking about a heinous crime involving murder, rape, child molestation, the military will probably consider you regardless of the offense. You will find out many times in your future that "expunged" doesn't mean you don't have to disclose it (many jobs where you have a lot of responsibility will require it).

Bear in mind (and I say this again), expunged doesn't mean it didn't happen. Therefore, it raises concern for anyone who is going to place you in a position of responsibility (with valuable equipment and other people's lives and safety). Give the JAG in Orlando a call.

Re: expunged

Your question is a very good one and it is often asked. The guiding principle here is that you must answer every question on an enlistment application, and you must be totally truthful when you answer. It's that simple. It is legal for them to ask whether you have had a legal action expunged from your record. If you eventually get into a field requiring a security clearance, that information will be sought and obtained. Absolute truthfulness is required. You do NOT want to be in the position one day of having to explain to someone why you thought the better course of action was to lie or hide some fact about yourself from the service. You'll be on the losing end of that argument.