Q: Can I get a job in law enforcement with a felony
I was charged with a non violent third degree felony and was told I could get it expunged but looked now. It doesn’t look like I can anymore and so I was looking into jobs in the criminal justice field and I know it would be very hard but I wanted to know if I would need to have the charge expunged to have any chance of getting the job and also if I would need my charge expunged to restore my firearms rights.
A:
Most F3 offenses can be sealed. What were you convicted of?
As for law enforcement jobs, it could be tough. First, they can see a sealed record during their hiring process so it would still be an issue. Second, depending on the offense, and other factors, you may not be able to restore your firearms rights.
Ohio law prohibits those convicted of felony offenses of violence and/or felony drug offenses from possessing firearms. Federal law prohibits those convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year in prison and those convicted of misdemeanor offenses of violence. F3s are punishable by more than one year.
Sealing the records does not restore 2nd Amendment rights. There is a separate process for that under Ohio law. The catch is, it only works if the offense is one that creates an Ohio law disability. If it was not an offense of violence or a drug offense, then there is no Ohio law disability and therefore no Ohio law relief.
If there is only the federal disability then there is no effective way to seek relief. The ATF has an application process but has never been allocated any money in the budget for processing such applications.
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