Felony Arrest, plus other questions

Hi everyone. I had a couple question involving criminal records, among other things. Seven years ago I was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance. Since it was my first and only offense, I was put on DA Supervised deferred adjudication. At the end of my probation the charges were dropped and the records were sealed. I was told by the DA that if a criminal records search was done, the only thing that would be found was the arrest with a final disposition of “no conviction/case dismissed,” and I do not have to disclose any conviction on employment applications. I am in no way defending my actions, which I take full responsibility for and severely regret. The only excuse I can make is that dumb 18 year olds make dumb choices.


Since this time I have not broken any law, not even a parking ticket in 7 years. I have remained gainfully employed and I have taken about 6 drug tests since my arrest (none court ordered, just pre-hire stuff, DOT Physical, etc) and they have all come up negative for everything. I am in CDL school and so far received very high grades. I just got my Class A Permit today and also got Tank, Double/Triple, Passenger and Tow Truck endorsements. I plan to study some more and go back for my Metal Coil (I live in NY, I think it’s the only state that has Metal Coil) and HazMat endorsements as well.


My MVR is completely clean. I haven’t had a ticket since Clinton was in office.
Aside from what I mentioned above, my criminal record is clean. And it will remain so.
My credit is horrible. Mostly due to a recently failed business venture. Real estate is NOT as easy as those people make it seem on those 3AM infomercials.


Ideally, I would like to go OTR. I like to travel and don’t have a wife or kids so time away from an empty home would be nice.


The questions I have are:
1. Will simply showing an arrest with no conviction on my record make it harder for me to get a job and if so are there any companies that are more forgiving than others?


2. I am hoping to relocate to Texas to be closer to my family and for a cheaper cost of living. Do companies work around moves like that? (I don’t expect them to move me or even help me financially with the move. But if I went to work for Company X, could I still work for them from Texas? Is that a difficult process?)


3. Being still in CDL training, What are some companies that hire drivers with no experience?


4. Right now, at my CDL school, I am at or near the top of my class grade-wise with a perfect attendance record. Does that factor in to the company’s hiring?


5. What companies have the nicest equipment? Best benefits? Best pay? Better mileage? Treat you best? Etc?


Thanks to all of you in advance for your help. God Bless.

 

Hi Colorato,
Thanks for the reply. That definitely takes a load off my mind. I can't wait to get on the road.