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This question is about fire fighter.
Can I become a firefighter with a felony?
Yes, you can become a firefighter with a felony. A felony will often disqualify you from becoming a firefighter, but the specific regulations vary by department and by state. The factors affecting your hireability as a firefighter with a felony include the number of offenses, the time since it happened, what type of law was broken.
While there is no state or federal law saying that felons can never be firefighters, many felony convictions will prevent you from becoming a firefighter. It will be up to each individual department to set hiring rules and guidelines. A felony conviction related to working as a firefighter position, such as arson, burglary, larceny, or murde will automatically ban from employment.
Felony Degree Types:
1st Degree Felonies (Class A): Murder, Kidnap, Arson, Rape
2nd Degree Felonies (Class B): Possession of controlled substance, Felony assault, Manslaughter
3rd Degree Felonies (Class C): D.U.I., Fraud, Assault and battery, Elder abuse
4th Degree Felonies (Class D): Larceny, Involuntary manslaughter, Burglary, Resisting Arrest
The more severe felonies (e.g., Class A) the more likely to not be accepted in a firefighter's record. Crimes like murder, rape, kidnapping, as far as I know, are universally disqualifying. Some areas have local laws that felonies involving "moral turpitude", related to cheating, lying, stealing, are automatic disqualifiers.
Some regulations state that applicants may not have any criminal record showing even a series of misdemeanors indicating habitual disrespect for the law. Another factor typically checked in any firefighter application is credit history showing a commitment to paying debts, including number and types of debts and extenuating circumstances. These reflect an applicant's judgment and integrity.
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