Re-enlistment question

[AnimalMan1971]

I have a question regarding enlistment and I was wondering if anybody can help me. I recently re-enlisted after being out for approximately 8 years. During my first enlistment I had a run in with the law. I was convicted on a couple of counts of misdomeanor theft. I was given probation and ordered to pay restitution. Upon satisfactory completion of my obligation, my record was expunged. When I re-enlisted, I went to MEPS to in-process, and the subject of past criminal offenses came up. I didn't mention anything, because my record was expunged. Was I wrong in not mentioning anything about my past criminal record? I just don't want it to come back and bite me in the butt, such as a fraudulent enlistment charge. Cananybody give me some advice as to what I should do?

[marine]

You must disclosure everything.

[matthew.ritchie]

You must disclosure everything.

Yes, disclose everything, "even if ... (fill in the blank)." There are fine legal distinctions at work here, and so expungement might mean one thing, or it might actually be another. These legal issues aren't necessarily a career killer, particularly if you have led a clean life since then. What is a killer, however, is lying and fraud. I know you didn't do this intentionally, but if in the course of a security clearance investigation this comes out, then it could get awkward for you. I strongly advise to get ahead of the power curve and you make the disclosure. As bad as it is when you admit a problem, it's 100x worse if someone else finds out first. You want to be in control of the disclosure.

[sgtblack82]

Yeah cause that what you recruiter tell you to do! Its really your call I do agree honesty is the best policy, but that a morale call on your part.

[GoUSA]

Well if it was expunged then that is exactly what it means.