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Initiated. Legal issues. Resigned. Next step?

ckc23940

Registered User
I was initiated in Texas a few years ago, I ran into some legal issues that are now resolved, however, it forced me to "resign," before getting suspended or voted out. I was 2 weeks away from receiving my Apprentice Degree. My question is what steps to I take to get involved again? I recently relocated to Arkansas and want to know if I have to do the whole process over again or if I'm even allowed to continue?


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dfreybur

Premium Member
If you have a conviction it needs to be reported on your petition. Some GLs will automatically reject you if there are any felony convictions others won't. Some lodges in the jurisdictions that allow it will automatically reject you others won't. If you leave it off it will eventually come out and you'd be expelled for lying on your petition. You do need to report your previous petitioning on your new petition. That will bring up the discussion.

Please go to the Secretary of the lodge you intend to petition. Tell him the background. Ask him if that bars you from any lodge in the jurisdiction. A no lets you proceed in that state. A yes tells you to ask the same set of questions int he other regular jurisdiction in that state. Ask him if it will probably bar him from his lodge. A no lets you proceed at that lodge. A yes tells you to inquire at another lodge in that state.
 

ckc23940

Registered User
Alright thank you I appreciate it! I assume it wouldn't matter if I received deferred adjudication, which technically states as long as you complete probation, you can honestly answer no when asked if you ever been convicted of a felony.


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Pscyclepath

Premium Member
Here is Arkansas, the secretary of the lodge does complete a criminal background check on all new petitioners. The results of that check are shared only with the investigating committee and the Master, and then only if something adverse comes up. Otherwise the results are considered simply "favorable," and the committee proceeds as normal. Pretty much what they're looking for, is the candidate a convicted felon? If so, that's an "unfavorable" recommendation. If not, the investigating committee will proceed to do their job, and things will go from there.

If you petitioned for the degrees in Texas, you should note that on your petition here in AR, but also note that you never proceeded to receive them. So long as you've had the necessary length of residence in AR, you should not have that much of a problem.
 

ckc23940

Registered User
Alright, I really appreciate it!! What's the minimum length of residency? I just moved here 2 weeks ago?


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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
This is a very interesting topic. It just goes to show that not only can things differ from nation to nation and state to state but also from lodge to lodge in the same state.
 

Lazza21

Registered User
Just out of curiosity how can he have been initiated and not receive the EA degree, aren't they the same thing in America?
 
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