Financial Advisor Career Question

So I have a question about a potential career in financial advising. I recently graduated college at the top of my class in finance and am looking to get into financial advising. I have great people skills, I’m extremely motivated, independent, hard working, etc… It has always been my dream to become a financial advisor. However, I have one problem. In 2003, I plead guilty to a felony sex offense. I was a juvenile and came forward because I wanted to make things right. Long story short, I have made full restitution for my poor decisions and lived a model life every since. I know I can’t take back my poor decisions of my past, and I have moved on to become a better person. Sadly, I was not able to get my record expunged (much to my disappointment). I am just worried about how my felony record will affect my licensing and ability to get hired by a financial advising firm. What are my chances/options? What companies might be the best to pursue that will work with a non related felony? Also, I know I am “statutorily disqualified” according to the FINRA. However, I also know they take things on a case by case basis. What are my chances of being able to get licensed? Your advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Note: Serious answers only please. Please don’t criticize me for my past mistakes. I sincerely regret them and have moved on. Thank you in advance.

Financial Freedom,
I appreciate your response. I realize that I am "statutorily disqualified" according to FINRA, but I do know there is an appeal process that can be gone through where they take each situation on a case by case basis. I made mistakes 7 years ago as a young juvenile and while I can't take back the past, I have taken every step possible to make restitution for my poor choices. Would I have a better chance with a smaller boutique firm and getting their support in trying going through the appeal process? Also, would a large firm hire me based on my abilities, and support me through the appeal process (firms like MSSB,Edward Jones,etc...)? I am not about to let my past mistake kill a dream of mine, so I am looking into every possible option. Thanks in advance for your response.

jg08...financial freedom is being polite about the matter but the reality is that no real firm will take you on.

This is no reflection on you in anyway but simply a matter of risk and liability. The financial advisor position is one that deals with peoples finances and complaints and lawsuits are not that uncommon. No firm will ever want to explain your background in open court and the potential monetary risk and creditability risk would far outweigh what you brought to the table (at least for the first 10 years or so). I'm not trying to be judgemental or harsh with my comments in anyway...I'm just trying to save you from the time, energy and heartbreak of going through this.

JG08 - I'm not sure but the fact that you were a juvenile at the time might mean that your records are sealed - unless you were prosecuted as an adult - juvenile records in most states are usually not even admissable in court.

It does not matter if the files are sealed or not. It would have to be reported and failure to do so(through non-disclosure) will get you barred from being in the securities industry. If the offense is more than 10 years old it technically will not keep you from being license but I still highly doubt that any firm will be willing to take on that risk. That being said if this is really your dream, jg08, don't let me or anyone else here stop you from trying.