Question:
I have posted in here a few times a couple months ago. I'm considering getting into trucking but unfortunately had a little recent occurrence which may or may not make it impossible and if anyone has any input on the subject it would be greatly appreciated. I was (ahem) arrested for a class2 misdemeanor (trespassing) and depending on what the state is going to offer me as far as a plea bargain i might be on probation or something i don't know. basically they are telling me two years probation and at the end of two years this will be expunged from my record as i didn't do anything except try to talk to a former employer about a wrongful dismissal and unfortunately used bad judgement and thought i could still talk to him anyway after i had been trespassed from the property. this is so embarrassing i can't believe i'm posting it out here but i really did feel in the right and i didn't do any criminal activity such as shoplifting, assault, etc. i just talked to him. anyhoo i'm wondering are there any companies who would hire me or do i just have to forfeit this as a career. does anyone know? i promise i'm not a psycho i've never been arrested before in my life. any information on this would be greatly appreciated. thank you. happy trucking!!

Answer:
However it may postpone things for a time being.
If you do end up on actual probation you will probably be unable to find a job while you are serving your sentence. The reason being is that most probations include clauses about not being able to leave the state (and some even the county) and with a driving job you will be definately leaving the area in the course of your job.
Once you have completed your sentence (probation terms) and paid any and all fines etc you should be able to find a driving job. A class 2 misdemeanor is not that serious of a crime, and if your records are sealed as you say they should be then there is no way for anyone to ever know about your "crimminal" past unless you choose to say something.
Just to back up what I am telling you with some fact: In 1995 I was convicted of "Unlawful use of weapons." I was fined and put on probation. In 1999 I started my driving career. I had no problems getting hired. I have even been cleared to enter Canada (with no need for any special permits).
If you havent done so already be sure to have an attorney through all this. If you can afford to hire one yourself you will be better off than with a public defender but even a public defender is better than trying to defend yourself by yourself.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
I'd get a damn good lawyer since two years for trespassing sounds a little rediculas (sp?)
A fine would be more appropiate if there were no violence involved.
Jack of all trades, Master of none..Ahhhhh! except baiting Pocono 780
OOIDA 748112

Answer:
I, too, had a misdemeanor conviction, and I had the same deal......probation, and at the end the conviction was removed from my record. Since there's no conviction on my record, there are no problems getting hired.
The only problem you should face is that going into Canada will be a little inconvenient. When I go to Canada, they check my record, see that I was arrested (because the arrest will always be on your record), and then I spend ten minutes sitting there while they await verification that I was never convicted.
I'll also second the motion that you get the best lawyer that you can afford. You'll have to pay a fine, but it would be a travesty of justice if you have to serve even a year of probation.

Answer:
Hi LoriAz,
I might be able to shed some encouragement to your question. The story I'm about to type is true, I have no reason to BS you here.
A person I know well was convicted of a felony, ADW, and served time for it. Upon release, said person was placed on 5 years formal probation. During this probation, said person applied with a major trucking company (after attending driving school) and was hired.
The probation officer wrote open-ended permission letters each month allowing said person to leave the state. Said person made calls from time to time while on the road driving all 48 states, and even sent post cards to the probation officer -- just because said person wanted to. Never even was asked to do a "drop" test because the trucking industry did that already. Never had a problem, and probation visits were more like friendly visits.
So, it IS possible to gain employment after conviction. I suspect attitude had a lot to do with it.
Best of luck.

Answer:
As most. The police record has come into play with my past employers. The best thing to do is be upfront and honest. Do not hide anything, they will find out. Explain the situation to help them understand. Thats the best you can do?
Good Luck!

Answer:
A misdemeanor shouldn't cause you too much problem. Felonies are another story...
WHY IS MY BEER DARKER THAN YOUR COFFEE??
Answer:
The Workforce Councel, use to be JPTA and now has a new name (I think) specializes in convicts. Not just people with a small misd. But those recently being released from some sort of holding facility, prison or jail. Being arrested is one of the main requirements for the program. They pay for all the schooling and some accesorialy items like glasses if needed. I'm sure some one here knows their current name. They are located in or near the employments offices.
Lots of the enrolees go into trucking. With no problems from their point of view. From my point of view I wouldn't work for the companies that hire them. Places like Stevens Transport, Central and some others. But they do get jobs and are able to begin working. So I wouldn't see your little problem as a big one. Just a couple hoops you may have to jump through but you'll suceed if you want.
By the way. The punishment you talked about doesn't fit the crime. At-least not in the past. But Arizona is getting tougher like lots of other states and may offer just what you said.
Good luck.
"Caution: Door May Open"

Answer:
I also have a misdemeanor possession of alcohol at the age of 19. This has not hender me of any job including a stint in the army. The only thing that I'm not allow in Canada without the Permit which this does not bother me and past companies had worked around that issue.

Answer:
Lots of the enrolees go into trucking. With no problems from their point of view. From my point of view I wouldn't work for the companies that hire them. Places like Stevens Transport, Central and some others.
ADD Hartland to the list .
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You Can't Shoot Them. They Will Elect More !!!!
Anonymous/or I forgot.

Answer:
Very funny Cigar. But in this case, no cigar. No newbies working there. No felonies allowed and you have to be able to go into Canada.
"Caution: Door May Open"
"WARNING - Road Wet When Raining

Answer:
MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The whole thing was dismissed in court today YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!! No probation no nothing. I'm stoked. Thank you so much all of you for all your posts and information maybe i'll see you on the road sometime soon!! Happy Trucking!

Answer:

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