Advice On Finding A Job With An Expunged Misdemeanor

I will start off by saying that I am very concerned about not finding a job with a company because of my wrongful charge of drug paraphernalia. Whether or not you believe me I was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia because me and a two of my friends got pulled over for a blown taillight and my buddy Steven wouldn't own up to having his weed pipe but instead put it under my seat (He was the rear passenger) so 2 of my "friends" and myself were charged because no one would own up to it. Needless to say I no longer talk to either individual. The whole situation scared me to death. There was no arrest but he wrote me a ticket for possession of drug paraphernalia and told me to be in court and he would help me out. After going to court they put me on a diversion program to where I can get my record expunged.

In August of 2015 my record will be expunged. This is coming straight from the TBI website. "

The Defendant pleads guilty, is found guilty, or pleads nolo contendre to the offense in which he seeks Judicial Diversion. However, the offense sentence is not imposed if the Defendant can successfully complete the probationary period. If the Defendant does not successfully complete the probationary period, the sentence goes into effect and the Defendant will not have the offense expunged. This is a “tougher” diversion to receive. Once the diversionary period has been successfully completed, the charge or charges can be expunged

I do not do drugs therefore I know I will complete the probation. I am willing to do a hair follicle test with any company willing to trust in me. All I've wanted to do since High school was drive a truck. My grandpa retired as a truck driver and I remember him driving us around in it. I honestly can't see myself wanting to do anything else. It makes me sick to think of not being able to do this lifestyle because of my bad choice in picking the people I hang out with.

I have spoken with 3 Different recruiters:

Schneider: They take every applicant on a case by case basis and they would work with me. They said if it did still show up for whatever reason but it showed "Expunged" then they couldn't hold it against me so we could move forward. This is coming from an experienced recruiter by the way.

US Express: As long as it didn't show up on my record I would be fine. They said if it did show up I would have to obtain papers showing it was expunged.

Super Service: Drug related offenses are no hires until they are over 7 years old but If it wasn't on my record I would be fine.

I plan to speak with as many recruiters as possible so I'm more prepared.

With that being said I need your advice on my situation. Have anyone been in my shoes? Can I expect to find a job? Will I have to wait 5 years? If it isn't expunged will it show up? How many companies should I apply for? Anything to make me feel better.

Any information is very appreciated I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this. It is my very first post on TruckingTruth and hopefully want more to come!

And for anyone wondering I do have great work history and a good driving record. I have management experience and work at a federal bank.

Who would have known a banker wanting to become a truck driver.

Wondering. . A tail light is not probable cause and under the seat is not plan view. How did he find it. Did you give consent to search? With out that and no probable cause or reasonable suspension he had no right to look under your seat.

He said he smelt marijuana. Both passengers smoked it they were actually cousins. I gave him consent only because I knew he wouldn't find anything on me.

I wouldn't be very concerned at all, based on what you've written. If you're getting it expunged, and you've already had recruiters say they'll work with you, then why are you concerned? You might have your options limited, but you'll find a job, based on what you've written.

I wouldn't be very concerned at all, based on what you've written. If you're getting it expunged, and you've already had recruiters say they'll work with you, then why are you concerned? You might have your options limited, but you'll find a job, based on what you've written.

Maybe I am being a worry toad. They are some people on here that say that trucking companies will find the expungment and not hire me since it's drug related. Thanks bud.

Go by what the companies & recruiting say - not just anybody else's opinion on a forum. Well intending drivers can still be misinformed & pass along inaccurate information.

You also must be honest and upfront with recruiting so they can do their job.

You also must be honest and upfront with recruiting so they can do their job.

Absolutely. I completely agree with you. I told all three recruiters yesterday that I had it on my record but it would be expunged in August and I would be willing to submit any type of drug test to prove that I don't do any type of drugs. I took one about 3 months ago at work for the random drug testing policy we have. It's the substance abuse programs (SAP)

Update: I spoke to two other recruiters today.

Averitt: They take every application on a case by case situation and it shouldn't be a problem.

Crete: Said as long as its not on my record I would be fine. They said if it did show up I would just need the proper documentation.

I feel like they are really quick to get off the phone. The most helpful out of all of them was Schneider.

I would love to hear from more of you. Any advice helps.