Legal Question in Employment Law in New York

Misdemeanors from New York affect me now in Louisiana--HELP!!!

I have three misdemeanors. One is from Oct. '93 (adjudicated in Apr. '94) (petit larceny, one count). The second is from summer '94 (adjudicated in Jan. '96) (unlawfully dealing with a child, two counts).

The first involved me stealing a credit card and using it for over $2,000. I did what the court asked of me.

The second involved me providing alcohol to a minor that was 15. Again, I did what the court asked of me and was released from probation early (1.5 years).

I was in college going for education and was told by my probation officer that I should not go into education due to this and due to my coming out as gay.

Since, I have gained a BA, MA and MS and have worked successfully in secondary ed and higher ed. Currently I accepted a position at a college in Louisiana and told them of my convictions prior to moving here. My boss said ''no problem.'' After three weeks, I am being told this is a problem as my first offense is showing up as a felony and they are concerned about the other incident.

It has been almost 10 years since the last event (8 if you count the adjudication of it) and I have been successful in school and work. I may be fired. What can I do?


Asked on 2/08/04, 9:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: Misdemeanors from New York affect me now in Louisiana--HELP!!!

You say you had 3 misdemeanors but only discribe 2. The first would indeed be a felony in Louisiana, and the 2nd might cause some concern since it had to do with a minor. My suggestion is you contact someone in NY and see how to remove the convictions from your record. Might not be possible, but that could solve some problems if you could get that done. I commend you for being totally truthful in your applications for jobs. Had you not, and then your deception been discovered, that not only would have gotten you terminated, but would have shown you had not changed from your earlier years of youthful indiscretion.

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Answered on 2/09/04, 5:35 am


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