Were to get started

I think that you are going to have a difficult time finding an otr company that will give you a chance until some time passes. The DWI or assault are individually a problem by themselves. If you have a class B license then you might find something with a furniture delivery company or driving a dump truck. I would not waste my time on CDL school until those things have more time. I believe you will be wasting your money. Your age is another factor. Most otr companies want drivers to be at least 23, some will not consider drivers until they are 25.

Since that may be a problem for a few years you may consider going back to school and get your education. You have time to get at least an associates if not your bachelors degree. It will open doors for you and you don't have to worry about financing your education. Grants and student loans are available. I would caution about going heavily into debt to get your education. Most colleges will assist students to find jobs while they are in school. Once you get your degree you will be able to find a good job and can then decide whether this is something that you still want to do.

A DUI won't have as much effect on a different type of career as it does with trucking. By the time you complete your education sufficient time will have elapsed that a few carriers will consider hiring you. There will still be some who won't touch you for at least 10 years. What is done is done. You cannot go back and change the past. You can use the experience to make changes in your life. That experience could be the best thing that ever happened to you. When you are driving a truck you cannot afford the luxury of losing control. You could challenge that anger into something worthwhile, like getting your education.

If you don't want to get your degree there are other options. Some people go to vocational school and come out with a very good career in less than a year.

 

If you are unemployed ,your state unemployment will pay to get you trained.But before you get all wrapped up in getting your lic. I would start calling and see if someone would hire you with the DWI. Its an insurance game now.They run the show now.If not look into doing something else for now,until you put some time in between you and the ticket 5 years good standings might be enough as long as you don't get any tickets in that time.Good luck.

 

If/when you obtain you CDL A try driving for small local companies, especially contruction type driving, i.e. dump trailer, flatbed, etc. You're from an urban metropolitan area (like myself), so it won't be as hard to find these type of co's as it can be in other parts of the country.

These types of companies often "overlook" some unfortunate circumstances in your life that the major carriers wouldn't.