I have a unique, checkered past. Is my OTR career over before it begins?

Melton is a good company, but really strict. They also have a sneaky integrity interview that weeds out a lot of applicants.
Apply to some more flatbed companies and just be honest on the applications and answer exactly as the question asked. Don't volunteer any information that isn't asked for.
Try these flatbed companies:
Paul Transportation
Western Express
System Transport
Keim TS
Britton Transport
Jones Bros. Trucking - Missoula,Montana
McCurdy M.W. & Company - Houston,TX (not sure if they're OTR; maybe)
B.T.Express Global Services - Weatherford,Oklahoma
Start the applications now and you'll have a job in a couple of days.
Canada probably won't even catch it either if you cross the border. They sometimes ask a broad question; "Have you ever stood before a judge?" I always said "no" and their computer system shows me clean.

 

It's not like you said
"yeah. I walked into this liquor store to rob it and the clerk said something I didn't like so I killed him and a couple people who tried to run out too."
You messed up and it was a long time ago- I think you should mention it just to show that you're a stand up person-but it depends on your self conscience and if you're going to spin on it and let it rent space in your head if you don't. Your call.

 

But there is a huge difference in the wording...
"Have you ever been..." or
"Do you have..."

"Do you have" is referring to current cases, not past ones that have been resolved.
If the person is currently involved in a deferred adjudication case they would need to answer 'yes' to the question.

 

you killed someone while racing and did no jail time? jesus.

 

Kids will be kids, after all.

 

You are right about the do you have part of the application,because deferred prosecution after they have been satisfied are over.But the arrest will still show up on a background check so the felony and the misdemeanor questions about have you ever plead no contest which is deferred or it ask have you had a deferred.

 

I really think the best thing is just tell up front what happened most people want to see you take responsibility for what you did.show you finished your probation your stable work history.I think you'll be fine

 

People are double and triple thinking this to death.
They are asking questions that have no valid basis in the hiring process.

So what if an arrest shows up?
If there was no conviction it does not matter.
Many people are arrested every year for crimes that they did NOT commit. Should the arrest, in and of itself, be reason to suspect a person of wrongdoing?

I say nay... NAY!!
It should NOT be!

And the law agrees with me on this point.
We are INNOCENT until PROVEN guilty!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!