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Can one get Federal judicial internships at either the District or COA level if they have a US criminal record? Specifically a Marijuana misdemeanor (stemming from more serious charges that were expunged)? None of the prosecution was ever at the federal level but just wanted to make sure this wouldn't preclude me from such positions before wasting time investigating opportunities. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

You will not BELIEVE the depth and breadth of the background investigation that is done on any federal judicial clerk. I can't say for certain, of course not, but given the vast numbers of applications these positions attract from folks with no blemishes whatsoever, I think any drug conviction (that really IS an adult conviction) will be the kiss of death.

BeautifulSW wrote:You will not BELIEVE the depth and breadth of the background investigation that is done on any federal judicial clerk. I can't say for certain, of course not, but given the vast numbers of applications these positions attract from folks with no blemishes whatsoever, I think any drug conviction (that really IS an adult conviction) will be the kiss of death.

Ignorant answer. You are fine. Proof - know people in COA clerkships with worse.

I am pleased to hear that. I hope it turns out to be true.

You said internship - I'm not even sure they run any significant background on you at all, figuring your admission to law school is enough for them to track you down if you screw up. They don't drug test for internships, you don't fingerprint with the FBI, I doubt they will ever know. Nor will they really care - you're an INTERN.

NotMyRealName09 wrote:You said internship - I'm not even sure they run any significant background on you at all, figuring your admission to law school is enough for them to track you down if you screw up. They don't drug test for internships, you don't fingerprint with the FBI, I doubt they will ever know. Nor will they really care - you're an INTERN.

I did a federal judicial internship last summer and I got FBI fingerprinted and background checked.

quiver wrote:

NotMyRealName09 wrote:You said internship - I'm not even sure they run any significant background on you at all, figuring your admission to law school is enough for them to track you down if you screw up. They don't drug test for internships, you don't fingerprint with the FBI, I doubt they will ever know. Nor will they really care - you're an INTERN.

I did a federal judicial internship last summer and I got FBI fingerprinted and background checked.

Hmm, it was years ago, did they background check me? I don't remember getting fingerprinted, and I did two, one at district and one at appellate.

*Stream of consciousness* - wait, ok, I do remember now, I think the Marshalls did it. Shit I have a bad memory. It’s a good thing I'm handsome, and not a criminal.

I knew a guy with a DUI and it was fine. By the way, your state expungment has no bearing on the FBI seeing your conviction.