30 year old drug charge

Discussion in 'Covenant' started by 350Xena, Aug 14, 2025.

  1. 350Xena

    350Xena Bobtail Member

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    Will Covenant hire you with a 30 year old drug trafficking conviction? I know they're a 2nd chance company. Currently in cdl school, I already have my prehire but we haven't heard back on my husband. Could this 30 year old conviction keep him from being hired? He did disclose it on his application.
    Any other companies that would hire us as a new team? We're near Rock Hill, SC.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    CRST hires teams and hires felons.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Western Express | Where Drive Meets Opportunity
    Western Express hires teams and felons.
    Whether you’re a seasoned professional, starting your journey with a new CDL-A, or returning after some time away, we have something for you. Explore a range of options to match your driving goals—including flatbed, dry van, regional, over the road, team.
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  6. 350Xena

    350Xena Bobtail Member

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    Thank you! I'll definitely check into these! Still have fingers crossed that Covenant will give him a chance. He hasn't had any issues legally in 30 years, so hoping they'll consider him.
     
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  7. Deadwood

    Deadwood Heavy Load Member

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    I'd recommend getting that felony conviction expunged (removed) from your record and then getting your hazardous materials endorsement. Then you won't be competing against all the illegals out there as none of them could pass the security check. Hazmat loads pay the best and will be the last to be automated.

    The process for getting a felony expunged according to Grok Artificial Intelligence:

    The process for expunging a felony drug conviction from 30 years ago depends heavily on whether it was a federal or state conviction, as well as the specific jurisdiction for state cases. Expungement (which typically involves destroying or sealing records so they can’t be accessed by the public or used against you in most situations) isn’t available everywhere, and where it is, it often comes with strict eligibility rules. Note that “expungement” can sometimes mean sealing, set-aside, or dismissal rather than full erasure, and success isn’t guaranteed—it may require proving rehabilitation or that the expungement serves the public interest. Always consult a lawyer or legal aid organization for personalized advice, as laws change and your specific case details matter. Below, I’ll outline general steps, federal vs. state differences, and key considerations.

    Step 1: Determine the Jurisdiction and Type of Conviction

    • Identify if it’s a federal conviction (e.g., prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, often involving interstate drug trafficking or large quantities). Federal courts have no general authority to expunge adult felony convictions, including drug-related ones. The only narrow exception is for first-time misdemeanor simple drug possession (not felonies) under 18 U.S.C. § 3607, and even then, expungement is limited to those who were under 21 at the time of the offense and successfully completed probation. For felonies, you might pursue a presidential pardon (which restores rights but doesn’t expunge the record) via the U.S. Pardon Attorney’s office, but pardons are rare and don’t erase the conviction from background checks. If it’s federal, expungement is generally not possible, regardless of how much time has passed.

    • If it’s a state conviction (most drug felonies are), laws vary by state. Some states prohibit felony expungement entirely (e.g., Alaska, Florida, Alabama for most cases), while others allow it for non-violent drug offenses after a waiting period. A 30-year-old conviction often exceeds required waiting periods (typically 5–20 years post-sentence), which can improve your chances if no new offenses occurred. Drug-specific laws (e.g., for marijuana decriminalization) may apply retroactively in states like California (via Prop 47, which reduces certain drug felonies to misdemeanors for expungement eligibility), Arizona, Colorado, New York, and others. Check a 50-state comparison resource for your state’s rules.

    Step 2: Check Eligibility

    • Common criteria across allowing states: The conviction must be non-violent (many drug felonies qualify unless involving weapons or distribution to minors); you must have completed all sentence terms (probation, fines, restitution); no new convictions (especially felonies) in the waiting period; and sometimes proof of rehabilitation (e.g., employment, community service).

    • Waiting periods: Often 5–10 years for single felonies, up to 20 years for multiples (e.g., North Carolina allows up to three non-violent felonies after 10–20 years). At 30 years, you’re likely past this in eligible states, and time without reoffending strengthens your case.

    • Number of convictions: Varies—some states limit to one felony (e.g., New York: up to two total convictions, one felony); others allow multiples if non-violent (e.g., California has no strict limit but ties to offense type).

    • Drug-specific perks: In states like Arkansas (5-year wait for certain drug felonies), Connecticut (automatic erasure after 7–10 years for less serious felonies), and New Mexico (2–10 years), marijuana or minor possession cases may get automatic relief. For harder drugs, it’s case-by-case.

    • Ineligible states: No felony expungement in places like Alaska, District of Columbia (except minor exceptions), Florida, and Georgia (limited to pardoned cases).

    • Resources: Use free tools like your state’s court self-help website (e.g., California’s Clean Your Record guide), the Collateral Consequences Resource Center’s 50-state comparison, or Nolo.com for checklists. Get a copy of your criminal record from the state DOJ or FBI (via fingerprint-based check) to confirm details.

    Step 3: Gather Documents and File a Petition

    • Collect: Court records from the original case, proof of sentence completion, character references, and a personal statement explaining why expungement is needed (e.g., for jobs, housing).

    • File: Submit a petition (often a form from the court where convicted) to the original court or a designated one. Fees range from $0–$500; some states waive for low-income. In California, for example, use forms like CR-180 for dismissal/set-aside.

    • Automatic processes: In states like Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, some old drug convictions (especially marijuana) may seal automatically after waiting periods, but you may still need to petition to confirm or speed it up.

    Step 4: Attend a Hearing (If Required)

    • Many states require a court hearing where a judge reviews your petition. The prosecutor may object, and victims (if any) could be notified. You’ll need to show the expungement benefits society (e.g., via rehabilitation evidence). For old cases, lack of recent issues often helps.

    Step 5: Follow Up and Understand Limits

    • If approved: Records are sealed/expunged, allowing you to deny the conviction in most job/housing applications (but not for law enforcement or certain licenses). Update your FBI record if needed.

    • If denied: Appeal or reapply after more time/changes. Alternatives include certificates of rehabilitation (e.g., in California) or pardon from the governor.

    • Timeline: 3–12 months typically.

    • Cost/help: Free legal aid via organizations like the ACLU, Legal Aid Society, or Clean Slate clinics. Avoid scams—don’t pay upfront for “guaranteed” expungement.

    Success rates vary (higher for old, minor drug cases in progressive states), but 30 years without issues boosts odds where allowed. If outside the US, processes differ (e.g., Canada’s record suspension after 10 years for indictable offenses). Provide more details like the state for tailored info.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    30 years is a long time. I think you'll both be teaming across the USA soon.
    I don't know if he can enter Canada or not as a felon. The other 48 states are fine though.
     
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