New State Law Will Affect EMT Job Applicants – Clearing Criminal Record

As reported by San Diego 10 News, the California legislature recently passed a bill that will require that counties screen all Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) applicants using the comprehensive FBI criminal database. Once the new law goes into effect on July 1, 2010, EMT applicants with felony convictions will have a more difficult time becoming EMTs. Before the passage of the bill, San Diego County had screened their applicants using only California’s criminal database.

California Assembly Majority Leader, Alberto Torrico, introduced this bill after learning that an EMT in San Diego County had previously been convicted of felony manslaughter in Idaho before moving to Escondido. The medical director of the county’s Emergency Medical Services had been aware of the man’s felony conviction but still certified him as an EMT nonetheless. This result motivated Torrico’s efforts to introduce the bill.

This new law will make it more important for EMT applicants with prior criminal convictions to ensure that their records are clear of any undue tarnishes. There are various legal procedures available to help you clear your criminal record. These methods include an expungement, a factual innocence petition, a reduction of the conviction, a certificate of rehabilitation, and a governor’s pardon.

If you need to have your criminal record purged, do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable San Diego criminal defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich. With over 30 years of experience our attorneys have the skill and knowledge needed to aid you in accomplishing your career goals. Call us today at 877-230-1529 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.