Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/6/2009

Question
when I was 17 I was arrested for cannabis, went to court, find out someone had stolen my identify. I paid the charge can I still get a waiver to join the Army, I was told that waivers are no longer available I am 20 years old now and really want to join the services what can I do to enlist?

Answer
Dear Juanita --

Currently there are no waivers available for prior drug abuse charges.

If the arrest was false, and someone else used the drugs, but gave the police your ID, and you have anything to prove that, then you should get your record cleared.  If you can clear your police record, you might be able to enlist with a different waiver, although all waivers will remain very limited.

Good luck to you.