Where can a 15-year-old work in Michigan?

Can I work at a public school in Michigan after completing the Diversionary program for domestic violence?

• I'm in Michigan and over a year ago an individual and I were both arrested in a domestic dispute. I was beaten over the head with a dumbbell while I was sleeping by my partner who was refusing to take their medication. When I woke up I did what I had to in order to get them to stop, I honestly cant remember everything that happened. I was corned in my bedroom with no light and thought she was trying to kill me. Even though I had marks all over my head from the weight the cops wouldn't listen to a damn thing I had to say, only her side of it, they treated me like complete ****. My lawyer told me that by speaking I pretty much screwed myself even though I thought I would have been safe due to the circumstances of WHY I had to be physical about it (Go ahead, call me an idiot), now I know why they tell you to keep your mouth shut. He told me that once enough evidence is collected, whatever the officers think are going to be gold to a judge (Small town law enforcement). They even approved a bullshit six month PPO she applied for. I was advised that If it went to trial that it would be a 50/50 result and if I plead guilty to my involvement (Without excluding why I did what I had to) it would fall under the Diversionary program since its my first offense and wouldn't be a conviction and wouldn't go to jail if I didn't get into any trouble for a years probation. I now feel like an idiot for choosing the second, but I wouldn't afford to pay anyone for a trial and they didn't grant me a state attorney. However NOW the clerks office told me that I had to contact the state and PAY to see whats on my record to see if ANYTHING made it on it and my attorney moved out of state! I'm asking this because I now have a job opportunity to work for the public school district as a custodian. I am terrified that I wont pass a background check well enough to work there or any other place along these lines for something that I don't feel I did anything wrong in. I already called another attorney that filled in for him, but its the weekend and I have to wait for him to call back. Can anyone here tell me whats up with my situation before then?

• Answer:

  Schools are required to do a criminal background check on any potential employees. Fill out the application. Be honest. You were arrested?(Y, I assume) There were no children involved. You were not convicted of a crime. Do not go into any detail, unless the interviewer asks. If you have an interview, tell the interviewer what they might see on the report. It is possible that you won't get the job, especially if there are several applicants. If you are well qualified for the job-- training, prior experience, good references, etc., there is a good chance they will appreciate your honesty, and hire you. Don't give up. You certainly won't get it if you don't try! The purpose of the Diversion program is to keep convictions off your record. You did the right thing. You completed the program. You need a job, and you need to go through the process. Doing nothing, or giving up before you start is not an option. Of course, you need to consult your lawyer about the legal aspects of this. Best Wishes