Hello all,
I am a second year college student and am looking to transfer to CMA as an upper division student. 3.31 University GPA, 29 ACT, etc…however I received a 1 year deferred sentence for marijuana possession last spring. If I stay out of trouble until April the charge will be erased from my record. How will this affect my chances for acceptance?
Thanks for any input
[QUOTE=907alaska;89341]Hello all,
I am a second year college student and am looking to transfer to CMA as an upper division student. 3.31 University GPA, 29 ACT, etc…however I received a 1 year deferred sentence for marijuana possession last spring. If I stay out of trouble until April the charge will be erased from my record. How will this affect my chances for acceptance?
Thanks for any input[/QUOTE]
I can’t speak to CMA’s admission requirements, but it can have an effect on your being able to qualify for a Coast Guard merchant mariner credential (“MMC”). It certainly will impact you on graduation when you apply for your 3rd’s license, and may affect you sooner when you apply for your MMC as “cadet observer” (typically, in the first year at the academy). While the Coast Guard does not require state academy cadets who will get their sea time exclusively on the academy’s tyraining ship to hold an MMC, it’s possible that the academy does require it.
For Coast Guard purposes, deferred sentences and similar are “convictions.” They are not “erased” from your record. You will need to show you have met the requirements in 46 CFR 10.211(l):
If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies before the minimum assessment period has elapsed for his or her conviction, the Coast Guard may consider the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant’s suitability to hold an MMC. This list is intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors appropriate to a particular applicant, such as:
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant’s sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
I know of someone I went to school with who had to go through the waiver process or whatever it is for having a drug related offence on their record, when they applied for license. They got through it but it was definitely a hard time.
Very true, the term " deferred sentence " concerns me. If this was a PTI ( pre trail intervention) some states require you to admit guilt. If so, then that fact remains on your record and must be declared to the USCG when making application. In fact, I’d certainly answer all questions honestly when making application. Ie: " have you ever been arrested for possession…" etc. The sad thing is you won’t know how all this will effect your application until you apply. You may wish to consult an attorney. There are some that deal with the USCG daily on these topics and assisting mariners with such issues.
[QUOTE=Xmsccapt(ret);89586]… The sad thing is you won’t know how all this will effect your application until you apply…[/QUOTE]
He will know, I just told him.
[QUOTE=Xmsccapt(ret);89586]… There are some that deal with the USCG daily on these topics and assisting mariners with such issues.[/QUOTE]
And some who work there…
I saw your post and agree with it. But I also noticed it is filled with “may” this and " may" that. I’m not aware of any definitive directions on how the USCG will see an application that is not spotless until it is filed and awaiting approval. If there is and you or others here know first hand what one needs to do and what the USCG view will be, great. But personally I’d be concerned on how the USCG would view my application when the time came after spending four yeas in college is my point. I do know from past experience that the USCG has overlooked stains on someone’s record. As long as the person when making application is honest. Also better to have as many years between the issue and application date as possible.