EMT w/Possesion charge

[kijan]

I was recently caught with possesion of marijuana. A very small amount, misdemeanor, only local municiple court. Well, what I need to know is how hard do I need to fight to make this go away? What affect will it have on a Missouri emt cert? I was caught in Kansas and this county does not offer a diversion program so I am getting a lawyer.

This is the ONLY time I have been arrested or had ANY kind of trouble at all. I have a couple traffic tickets now and again but there is no other issues with DUIs or any other drug use or any continual drug use. I would have no problem with random tests or testing for anything else.

Okay, I made my mistake. Alot of stuff was going on for me and I looked at this as a 30 minute release. This is not my habit and it will never touch my lips again. I happen to be one of those people that seems to get caught the first time I do something wrong. Now, understand. That mistake WILL NOT be repeated again. No question. I took a minute for me to understand exactly what I stood to lose. But again, it wasn't something really I do so I really wasn't thinking then

I have kicked my self mentally for the last 4 days (this happened 2-11-04) and I know that I will have to spend money and time.

I guess this is a free lesson to other EMTS and such to let them know that it isn't worth it. Since this is the only job I EVER want to do I don't want to lose all my hope.

Any help or suggestions? WIll I lose my liscense?

[JimSpoor]

I am not familiar with either Kansas or Missouri law so I can't help you with specifics but here is some general advice.

Controlled substances are a BIG deal within EMS. I think we can understand why. Personal judgement is also a big deal. You have dug yourself a big hole but few obstacles are truly insurmountable. If you want it bad enough things can usually be overcome.

You were not clear in your question. Are you currently an EMT or still looking? It could make a difference. I am currently at FLETC and don't check in too often but I'll try to give you an answer if we could have a few more details.

[kijan]

I am a current EMT since March of 03, recently retook it again after a long wait and change over from KS.

Yeah, Yeah, I know what hole I dug and I am doing my best to try and get it removed from my record. Again, I am not worried about this EVER being a problem again but unfortunatly it is a problem now. And yes I do understand the reasons behind it, just a really bad judgment call one night and now it's looking like I am bent over a table and I put my self there.

It is only a municiple city charge, but a charge nonetheless. So I am doing what I can to see what I can do but my fear is that it will have to stay and then it sits there, looking at me...waiting...

[JimSpoor]

From what I have been able to dig up it should not prevent you from recerting since you are already certified. However having a state cert. and getting a job are two different things. The best I can offer is that as long as your card is valid, start creating a good track record TODAY.

Good Luck.

[kijan]

Well, my mistake has been dealt with and all charges dropped so I should no longer have anything to worry about as far as my record. Sooooooo, since I won't ever have to worry about that again I can continue on, breath a sigh of relief and call it a lesson learned. A big fat lesson learned.

Sorry to dissappoint anyone but we are still human and do make human mistakes. As long as we learn from them I suppose.

[JESTER]

Just remember, that the charge may still show up in the clerk of court's computer system. That record never goes away (if I am not mistaken), and is public record. I don't think many if any agencies check that for employement, just the standard back ground check.

Just to make you aware.