Criminal Record and needing to Volunteer hours for school. PLEASE READ?

Question

I am really stressing out. First of all I will not go into the details but about 3 months ago I got arrested for assualt with bodily injury. I went to jail and it was horrible. My mom and I got in a fight and basically that is what happened. I am not a bad person but I am def paying for this. I am in college and am majoring in social work. I am in my intro class and we have to do volunteer hours at a agency of our choice( our teacher gave us many diff ones to choose from) and we have to complete 20 hours. Anyways, I am afraid they will do a background check and see this. I have a attorney and she is goin to try to have it expunged but of course that is going to be a fun process that won't be easy. My mom is gonna have to cooroperate and agree to get counseling WITH me. So I am really worrying because I have to have volunteer hours and I need to pick a place soon but I don't know which places may be more likely to do a background check. My charge is a misdeamer but I still went to jail

Answer 1

I would just pick whatever cause you cant hide this its gonna be with you for the rest of your life

Answer 2

Chances of a background check for a 20 hr. placement is doubtful (the cost and time may not be worth it).  Also generally  a background check is going to look for felony convictions (being in jail is NOT looked at).  Generally you will be asked "have you ever been convicted of a felony"  - you can honestly answer no.  Honesty is important - But you don't need to give them reason to be concerned.

DA

Answer 3

I think just about anything involving kids will do a background check. What about something with animals they would be the least likely. Maybe?

Good Luck

Answer 4

First you need to be honest.  Honesty will help cover a multitude of sins and if you are going to counseling that helps to show you are Earnest about fixing this situation.  

I work in Human Resources and when you go for a job you will have to do the same thing - be honest because they will do a background check, find out your past and if you didn't disclose the misdemeanor on your application, they will not interview or hire you.  I have seen it happen where the honest guy was allowed to stay but the one who kept silent lost the job.

By talking openly about it and showing your remorse with this fresh situation that just happened they may find it in their heart to let you volunteer.

Best wishes to you in fixing this sad situation.  I hope you learned somethings about yourself and behavior that will serve you well going forward.

Answer 5

Everywhere I have ever volunteered has required a background check. However, what they are looking for might depend upon where you are volunteering. They really don't like assault charges when you're working with vulnerable populations. Also, you might consider that in order to go into any type of social work and become licensed they will be doing background checks, again because they don't like assault charges. I'd be up front with my teacher and try to get some help there. Teachers understand that life happens and are going to be much more understanding if you have trouble than if it just looks like you're procrastinating.