Expert: Howard Lorenz - 10/25/2007

Question
QUESTION: My name is Kyle, I am 22 and was charged with Simple Possession of Marijuana in May of 2007. Since it was my first ever offense, I had the option to go into the Pre-Trial Intervention program; which I am currently in. If completed successfully, the charge will be cleared off of my record as if it never happened. Do you suggest to wait until it's cleared off until I meet with a recruiter? Also, do you think this will in any way affect my chances of getting accepted into the Coast Guard? Please, advice would be greatly appreciated since I am serioulsly considering joining the U.S. Coast Guard.

ANSWER: Kyle,

Although Simple Possession is a minor offense, its a drug charge. Even though the courts can tell you that the carge will be cleared off your record, the federal government will find that charge. Unless the courts completely EXPUNGE your record, they will find it. Your best bet is to take some time after this and get some education and keep your nose clean. If you try to  enlist now, your chances are slim unles you go ARMY. I know that the ARMY has more lienient accession rules than other services. but that changes quarterly with all the services.

I would check with the recruiter and see what he says, but I am thinking that he is going to tell you not right now....I would say wait a year just to be sure........


HW

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

QUESTION: HW, actually, what I was implying when I said cleared off my record is EXPUNGE. That is exactly the word they used when they explained the PTI program to me. So, if the charged is expunged, you're saying that they will not be able to find the charge or what? I am sorry if I am being a pain but I really want to get this straightened out and get the ball rolling. Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Kyle,

This is good. Bear in mind that you have to be completely honest. The fact that it will be expunged is good. The equatsion asked to you  will be Have you had any law violations in your past, regardles of rather the record was purged, sealed stricken or expunged. What this is telling you is that you cannot hide anything. When the Investigators run your record in the NCIC computer in Washington D.C., it will say record expunged. This is a red flag that you have done something to have your record expunged. If you are honest with the recruiter and this will come back, there will be no issues. Or you can take the chance.... There are some that do and some get away with it. But then some do not.

You best friend in all of this will be Time, and what you do with that time. I dont know the U.S. Costguard's rules for entry. But most are fairly the same when it comes to a drug charge. Possesion is a drugcharge that will require a waiver. This is an exception to policy. Its extra paperwork, but its do able. Drug waivers are looked at on several factors, ASVAB SCORE, EDUCATION, WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ANY JOB,and TIME SINCE THE INFRACTION. Its almost November, 7 months ago. The other question that they will ask will be How many times have you smoked MJ! 150 times in a lifetime is automatically DQ. I would give it a few more months  before you take on applying. I am not trying to stop you , I just want to make sure that they dont cut your rope before you have a chance to climb it.

HW



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

QUESTION: I just want to say thanks Howard. I know you aren't tied in with the CG but you did answer my question to the best of your ability. I believe I can score high on the ASVAB, I already have a 2-year Associates in Arts degree, and I am pretty much willing to take any spot in the CG. However, like you said I believe my best friend right now is time. I will finish up my PTI, get the charge expunged, and go from there. Lastly, I do have one more question. I have borrowed approximately $12,000 in student loans so far for my college-- I heard the the government pays back all of your previous student loans if you join the military, is this true or not? Again, thanks HW for your help. Appreciated.

Answer
Hi Kyle,
I am sorry that I couldnt get more information about the CG. The 3 years that I was recruiting, I saw the guy once!!

As for the student loans, the Air Force will pay back up to 10,000 dollars in leiu of the GI bill your first term. Basically what that means is that instead of signing up for the GI bill your first enlistment, the Air Force will pay 10K toward a FEDERALLY FUNDED Student loan.

THe other services have a similar pr4ogram. Regardless of what branch you get into, Make sure that the repayment is in writing as far as what they will cover and how much. I have heard stories about the Army paying 25 thousand, but there were stipulations as to what types of loans. The Air Force would only payback loans from agencies like Fannie May. These are federally funded loans, Those folks that wanted the Airforce to pay back personal loans from mom & dad were disappointed. Do your homework. Make sure that the CG has a program for you and that it covers what ever kind of loan you have.

HW