Dismissed Felony, do you think I’ll have a chance in trucking?

Hey everyone, I’ve read other peoples stories but I don’t see many that tee up with my circumstances. I appreciate any insight/perspective you guys/gals can give me. I’m fine with brutal honesty.

Back in 2004 I received 2 DWI’s (one prior to being 18 one after turning 18) in 2005 I got one more DWI and charged with aggravated fleeing and evading and aggravated assault on a peace officer. Both were felony charges.

I hired an attorney and was able to get the fleeing and evading dropped altogether. As part of a plea bargain for a deferred adjudication and dismissal I plead no contest to the assault charge and the DWI. I successfully completed probation in 2007 and an order of dismissal was filed successfully. I have my rights to vote and own a firearm back, also I have had no issues with the law since that night in 2005.

I’ve turned myself around and have worked at the same company for the last 15 years, starting as an entry level employee and then a manager for the last 7 years. I’m looking to switch careers into commercial driving due to my companies vaccine mandate incoming April 2nd. (I know a lot of people will think that’s stupid of me)

I understand if asked on an application/interview if I’ve been convicted of a felony I can legally say no, I’m also aware that the arrest/charges will show up and very likely the fact it was dismissed will show up on a background check as well. I know I’d be fine with a lot of companies for my MVR since the DWI’s are over 15 years ago and no offenses since then. What I’m not sure of is if felony charges that were dropped/dismissed should be brought up proactively even if I don’t get asked anything else besides if I have any felony “convictions.”

My local trucking school’s assure me it’s fine, however I know they’re going to get paid from me and I’d really appreciate an unbiased opinion from folks who don’t have anything to gain from the answer given. As far as I can tell I’d be eligible for TWIC/HME based off the guidelines on the DHS site.

I’m an open book and can clarify any question you guys have. Thanks in advance for your perspectives/insight! (Sorry for the novel lol)

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply! Yes I live just outside Albuquerque in Rio Rancho.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, yeah I was thinking of going with Hogan or Yellow for school since they consider my MVR sufficient, they want me to send them TSA fingerprint receipt or DOT Medical card as an action item prior to the background check. I’ve just been nervous to move forward on that because of the dismissed felony/dropped felony charge. Neither asked about arrests just convictions, was just thinking they’re going to bring that up though when they see it pop up.

 

Thats a good suggestion, where would one pull that? I know there’s plenty of websites that offer that service but I don’t know if it’s be best to submit prints and get an official one from local PD or similar.

 

True, slim pickings with not having a CDL yet. Local company called Wild West Express said they’d give a pre hire letter to my CDL school but they’ve only inquired about MVR so far and not my background, didn’t want to volunteer the dismissal unless they ask about it.