I am 35 and am interviewing for my dream job Monday. It would be working with at risk kids and the pay is really good. I desperately want this job.
Here is the problem as briefly as possible. I had no record until last month. I was convicted of misdemeanor embezzlement. I was charged w/ 2 felonies and after four offers at a reduced charge, I took this. I was actually innocent. However, I was newly married to a wife from another country who just moved here. As a result of the arrest, and my inability to make bail, I lost my car, job, animals and she had to move out of our apartment and into the house of our pastor. I desperately wanted to fight the charge, but had already spent 2 months in jail up until my plea/sentencing trial. Going to trial would have meant 2 more months at least. If convicted, I faced 6 years in jail. Had I had my own lawyer, I would have taken the chance. But I decided against this risk while depending on a public defender. My deal involved only the misdemeanor and restitution. Not even probation was given.
My lawyer told me she believed I was innocent and was "fairly" certain I would win in trial. Again, I decided I did not want to risk it. I was most adamant about the felonies being dropped.
My question is how to go about my interview? I know because it involves kids, a background check will be performed. But do I tell her about it before? She is likely to say "that's what they all say" if I tell her I did not do it and was left little choice but to take the deal. I have even considered putting her into contact with the lawyer. Perhaps she would put light onto the situation. Is this a bad idea? Also, do you think this charge will disqualify me? What really stinks is the warrant was issued in 2004. I had no idea of the warrants until I was arrested. Now I have to wait 3 years for it to be sealed. But since the CHARGE is over 4 years, shouldnt it be sealed now? But that is a question for another topic. Thanks for any advice.
Here is the problem as briefly as possible. I had no record until last month. I was convicted of misdemeanor embezzlement. I was charged w/ 2 felonies and after four offers at a reduced charge, I took this. I was actually innocent. However, I was newly married to a wife from another country who just moved here. As a result of the arrest, and my inability to make bail, I lost my car, job, animals and she had to move out of our apartment and into the house of our pastor. I desperately wanted to fight the charge, but had already spent 2 months in jail up until my plea/sentencing trial. Going to trial would have meant 2 more months at least. If convicted, I faced 6 years in jail. Had I had my own lawyer, I would have taken the chance. But I decided against this risk while depending on a public defender. My deal involved only the misdemeanor and restitution. Not even probation was given.
My lawyer told me she believed I was innocent and was "fairly" certain I would win in trial. Again, I decided I did not want to risk it. I was most adamant about the felonies being dropped.
My question is how to go about my interview? I know because it involves kids, a background check will be performed. But do I tell her about it before? She is likely to say "that's what they all say" if I tell her I did not do it and was left little choice but to take the deal. I have even considered putting her into contact with the lawyer. Perhaps she would put light onto the situation. Is this a bad idea? Also, do you think this charge will disqualify me? What really stinks is the warrant was issued in 2004. I had no idea of the warrants until I was arrested. Now I have to wait 3 years for it to be sealed. But since the CHARGE is over 4 years, shouldnt it be sealed now? But that is a question for another topic. Thanks for any advice.
