Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was pulled over and received a ticket for possesion of cannabis the case is open and said to be dropped but nothing is for certain would i be able to join the army reserves or will this keep me out and if i will not be able to if i were to get it taken care of and expunged from my records will i be able to join then?

ANSWER: Dear Jeremy --

If you are willing to give up weed entirely, you can likely still join.  However, if you have a conviction for possession, you will need a waiver to enlist, and you will significantly lower your "quality" as a recruit.  Low quality recruits get few job options and no enlistment bonus offers.

Please don't enlist, if you still feel the need to use or sell drugs.  The military conducts random testing to catch and discharge users.  The penalties for dealers who get caught are even harsher.

Good luck getting your record cleared, and learning from this incident.  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so what if it is exponged will that come up and will it affect anything?

Answer
Dear Jeremy --

Unfortunately, that charge may still be traceable by investigators, even if it is expunged.  However, if it is expunged, you can state that you were charged with a drug possession offense, but not convicted, and the charge was expunged from your record.  You will then have to certify that you will not possess or use drugs in the future.

In this case you should not need a waiver, but a recruiter can tell you more based on the specifics in your case.

Good luck to you.