What kind of (profitable) job can you get with a degree in Physics?

If I'm arrested and convicted of Disorderly Conduct will I still be able to get a job doing military research?

• I was arrested, and facing charges...my lawyer thinks ill end up with a conviction of a disorderly conduct charge. I'm graduating with a physics degree, and my plans were to try and get a job with a company who designs military technology. Like Picatinny Arsenal, DRS Technologies, Lockheed Martin, or perhaps enter the navy's Nuclear Engineering Program, where I would be trained and serve 4 years operating nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers. My question is, did this one bad night ruin my life? I assumed background checks are done for these kind of positions. More so, I know some levels of promotion require security clearance...will I be able to obtain it? Did this ONE BAD NIGHT ruin my life?!? I've worked so hard up to this point to achieve my goals, and I think its a raw deal that because of one bad night I run the risk of never being able to accomplish this. Am I over reacting, or is my life dreams seriously at risk here. Please, anyone with experience in this please let me know. If its going to ruin my life, I want to know now, so I can go all out and risk everything to fight this accordingly, knowing I'm fighting for my life as I want it. If its not going to, and having this on my record wont be the end of my dream, then let me know that too...I just need to put my mind to rest.

• Answer:

  It would depend on the prospective employer. When you submit your resume and application they might look at things like that. If you are a veteran they might want a copy of your DD214 to see what training you received and what type of discharge you got. Most if not all employers will want to know up front if you've ever been convicted of something. If you are trying to get a defense contrator job, they DO look at your military background and they DO accomplish background checks for a security clearance. So yes, ONE BAD NIGHT could very well ruin your opportunities.