I'm not sure if I agree with Intel Vet's advice. What if the original poster here progresses on up and is eventually asked to take a polygraph? The truth will come out then and it will be much worse if you've continued to lie throughout the years. It's strange that you were willing to be honest about the shoplifting, but not the marijuana.

Get a copy of your high school transcript. Does it say anything about your having been suspended and the cause?

Background investigators consult educational records primarily for the purpose of confirming graduation. 

Im having the same problem. I lied about being suspended, and expelled from high school. It was stupid stuff I did when I was younger and my recruiter told me if I dont say anything they wont find out. I've also gone to court but it was cleared off of my record and I wasnt charged with anything it was a type of 'teen court' where it was all teenagers doing the 'attorney' and 'judging' and whatnot kind've for first time offenders. I had to write an essay and do 20 hours of community service. I really doubt that they'll go that deep into it, one of the other students who was involved in the same issue and had to go to court with me is now working at an army hospital under federal clearance. She said they didnt find anything at all about it.

Re: Failed FBI poly, what happens next?
Reply #16 - Today at 10:44pm    G Scalabr wrote on Apr 1st, 2005 at 8:53am:
Quote:
He wanted to dictate the statement and basically wanted me to admit to using countermeasures, then he would schedule me for a retest.

From the tone of your post, it appears that you wisely did not fall for this ploy. When a polygraph operator requests that you make a written statement (especially one worded like you described), it’s not because he feels that things are inconclusive and he wants you to continue in the process with another operator. 

Instead, it is overwhelming likely that the examiner is planning to make a written report to disqualify you (for either deception or an arbitrary determination that you employed countermeasures). He is looking for a written confession to help solidify his case. You were smart not to give him one.

Nothing good that can come from making a written admission once a polygraph session has begun. NOTHING.

This is one of the most important pieces of advice that anyone facing a polygraph should know. Failing a polygraph “test” is extremely negative for one’s career potential in law enforcement. Still, having a failed polygraph on your record pales in comparison to having a folder sitting in FBI HQ file drawer with a signed statement from an FBI Special Agent stating that you admitted to him that you attempted to beat the pre-employment screening polygraph. Worse yet is when the above sheet of paper is immediately followed by a note in your handwriting admitting to the above.

It is our experience that applicants who fall for the polygrapher’s “I am here to help you get hired act—it is you and I against ‘headquarters’…” will sign almost anything after a reassuring statement informing the applicant that this is in his best interests. Regrettably, those who go along with this act are often caused irreparable damage.