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How hard is it to join the marines with a small criminal record? Like a few misdemeanors-(for consumption of alcohol under 21) and juvenile record for possession of marijuana? I am trying to enlist for LIFE and am willing to do anything?
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Yes, I still am waiting for an answer.
Relist: Answer came too late.I waited for around 15 hrs.
Thanks for the chance to help. I am an attorney with over 12 years military law experience.It is tough. The largest problem you face is the poor economy. The poor economy has caused a flock of people turning to the military for jobs. Despite the war recruiting is way up in all branches. The need for the services to grant waivers has decreased. For example the Marines recently decreased their maximum age for enlistment. Its tough today to get a waiver. But you can sure apply. Let me know if you have more questions.
I note you gave me a negative rating. I am sorry the information provided was not what you wanted to hear. Seriously...but it is accurate. Please let me know if you have more questions, if not please provide a positive rating so I get credit for my work.
Experience: Retired Marine Corps Lawyer, Veterans Services Officer (VSO)
Hello Mr. Simmons just wondering if you got my follow up question?
SOrry...I did not but if you will send it again I will answer it.
I was wondering if there was anything a lawyer could do to help me avoid those waivers? I am aware that no type of sealed or destroyed record can be hidden from the military. However, I have heard stories of guys getting lawyers to help get them into the service, and I was wondering how well this actually works out and what is the best way to go about it, if deemed a possibility. Also you say my biggest problem is the poor economy, how can I prove that I am not just here for a job and that I want to make this my life. Is it possible to draw up a legal document stating I wish to receive less pay or must enlist for a longer period of time, to help prove this point?
A lawyer, or really, anyone who can write well, can help with the waiver application if you get to that stepTHe problem you have now is that the Marines are not even taking waiver for criminal convictions.Your proposal to agree to less pay or a longer enlistment is nobel. Truly. But not legally possible. That is, there is no way to modify an individual enlistment contract. You have to take the same contract as your peers. But that is something you could include in your waiver application, if and when you get to the point when you can apply for a waiver.I know you want the Marines...but consider this...consider joining another branch to start. Myself, I started in the Navy for several years before I gained a commission in the Marine Corps. The Marines are the most difficult to get in now...they are not giving waivers at all.But the Army still is, as well as the Navy to a limited extent. If you can get a waiver to join either, and do well for your first enlistment, it may be then possible to "swap" to the Marines...again, that was my road. What you need is a chance to prove your mettle over the course of several years...you need to get in the door. I would try one of the services who are actually recruiting and see if they will take youLet me know if you have more questions...happy to assist if I can