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tgt
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How would a criminal record (while obtaining a Phd) affect one's academic career, if any at all?
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turbo-1 said:Schools are in the business of selling their product, which is a package of training (courses) that should eventually lead to a degree that will enhance your employability. Unless you pose a threat to others, it is unlikely that they will turn down your money. Employers, on the other hand, will be more hands-off if a background check turns up criminality, and your degree may be severely diminished in value. Certainly, a school board would be unlikely to hire a teacher with past drug convictions, for example.
If the criminal record consists of victimless misdemeanors, it might be a good idea to consult with the state's clemency board to see if it would be possible to be pardoned and/or have the record expunged. This can take a lot of effort, but might be well worth it.
tgt said:How would a criminal record (while obtaining a Phd) affect one's academic career, if any at all?
stewartcs said:Define criminal record.
CS
turbo-1 said:That's tricky. Before embarking on a doctorate with all the work and associated costs, it would be a good idea to consult a lawyer as TVP45 suggested and inquire about the feasibility of securing pardon/expungement of that criminal record. That can be an arduous task, unless you have connections to cut through the political red-tape. Violations of state law can be pardoned by Governors, but even then, the violations remain on the records (I believe) unless the records are expunged. You'll need a good lawyer to navigate your state's rules and regulations.
You're right to be concerned about travel restrictions. If you're in the US, and have a conviction for drunk driving, you might not even be allowed into Canada.
A lawyer is essential for navigating the intricacies of each state's clemency program. It is probably a good idea to hook up with a well-connected lawyer who can cut through the political red-tape. He or she might need to be in tight with political functionaries, party leaders, and others to get a clemency appeal before the clemency board in a timely fashion, and to push for a favorable recommendation from that board to the governor. It really helps if the person on whose behalf the appeal is filed has been a model citizen and has been a stable productive member of society.tgt said:Why do you people say a lawyer is so important?
Are you suggesting a professor from the US with a conviction for drunk driving cannot travel to Canada to attend a day seminar?
tgt said:Why do you people say a lawyer is so important?
Are you suggesting a professor from the US with a conviction for drunk driving cannot travel to Canada to attend a day seminar?
You have posed this problem without clarifying the situation. Tighten things up, and you may get better advice, though the advice you've gotten so far is pretty darned good.tgt said:I am a very nieve person but why not just say everything honestly as what you think happened (without a lawyer) and let the judges judge?
Or are you people all talking about after being convicted and need a lawyer to clear the past history in some way or another?
Tickitata said:Okay, since the OP isn't being very specific, how about we use this hypothetical situation until he clarifies.
What if a minor is caught in possession of alcohol at a busted house party? Or marijuana? How would these (common) cases affect one's future in academia?
tgt said:I am a very nieve person
Still I don't see why one would need a lawyer in a court.
You will need them if you want to lie I guess. Sometimes the matters may be too complicated with the number of people involved that you need a lawyer because in that case everyone can cheat and easy to get away with especially if they have a good lawyer.
Tickitata said:Well. Sorry about that, I meant minor as in over 18, but not yet 21. So he would get an adult charge, and record.
rbj said:because, at least in the U.S., our court system is adversarial. the other lawyer is interested in winning, not so much interested in justice (unless, of course, the two are equivalent in the case at hand).
rbj said:anyway, that differential in age of responsibility is soooo problematic in the law (and it was even worse when 18 year olds couldn't vote). how can someone be a minor (a "child") under the law so that, solely because of their youth they cannot be entrusted to drink responsibly, yet, if they infract that law, they be treated as an adult?
so ridiculous.
i can think of so many other evils in the law, but none of us have the time.
rbj said:because, at least in the U.S., our court system is adversarial. the other lawyer is interested in winning, not so much interested in justice (unless, of course, the two are equivalent in the case at hand).
rbj said:you need a lawyer to make sure that the lies from people who want to screw you do not go unchallenged.
tgt said:I assume the chances of the two being equivalent is very rare?
So that is why you need a lawyer. However I suppose if you are dead honest then how can the lieing lawyer screw you up?
rbj said:well, if it is the case that one party is "right" and the other "wrong", then the lawyer representing the "right" party is both seeking justice and what is in that party's interest. what is rare is when the lawyer, recognizing that his client (or the state, if he/she is a prosecuting attorney) is in the wrong, actually seeks justice. in the case where the lawyer is representing a person or private party (not the state), that lawyer's primary responsibility is to the client, but in the case of a criminal prosecution, it does society no good for the court to convict and punish the innocent, so a prosecuting attorney really is supposed to act to benefit the defendant ("in the interest of justice") when he/she realizes that such defendand is not guilty. but, usually, they are so caught up in their POV of the case that they can't bring themselves to admit their error.
how did OJ get off? how does a lying presidential candidate (W) get elected? they find ways.
tgt said:I'm just saying that if you know you have done nothing wrong and stick to the facts then you will not be innocently declared guilty in every case. Correct?
tgt said:I'm just saying that if you know you have done nothing wrong and stick to the facts then you will not be innocently declared guilty in every case. Correct?
tgt said:What is DUI?
tuna_wasabi said:I've also been worried about this issue. I got a DUI last august. I spoke to my lawyer, and he said there was no way to get it taken off my record. I'm worried about it affecting my chances of getting into a good grad school. DUI is a misdemeanor, and (sadly) not extremely rare nowadays. I haven't had any other criminal violations. Do you think this would seriously bump me down on the list, or do graduate schools consider things like this minor?
Howers said:I would do anything in my power to get a pardon as already mentioned. Employers do not want to be involved with a criminal, which is exactly what they will view you as.
I had an uncle who was an engineer with a criminal record for abusing his wife. He worked as a technician most of his life making >16/hr. I don't know how well he's off now, but I know he's single and lives on the first floor of a crappy apartment.
A criminal record can have a significant impact on an academic career. It may limit job opportunities, funding opportunities, and the ability to obtain certain licenses or certifications. It can also damage one's reputation and credibility in the academic community.
In most cases, a criminal record does not prevent someone from pursuing higher education. However, it may make it more difficult to gain admission to certain programs or universities, especially if the offense is relevant to the field of study.
Some universities may conduct background checks on applicants, especially for programs that require clinical or fieldwork placements. However, it is not a standard practice for all universities. It is important to check with the specific university or program for their policies on background checks.
In some cases, a criminal record can be expunged or sealed, which means it will not show up on a background check. This may be possible if the offense was minor and occurred a long time ago. However, it is not guaranteed and the process varies by state. It is important to consult with a legal professional for advice on expungement or sealing of a criminal record.
Yes, there are resources available for individuals with a criminal record who want to pursue an academic career. These may include support groups, mentorship programs, and workshops on navigating the academic job market with a criminal record. It is also helpful to seek guidance from a career counselor or academic advisor for personalized advice and support.