Some legal issues, I know they will affect me. How Much?

[dayoungn]

4 Years ago, i was arrested for Child Endangerment and Criminal Mischief (Fight with Ex-wife).  Both Charges were dropped/dismissed.   This year I was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1-4 grams (Mushrooms) and Possession of Drug paraphernalia.  Both of these charges are pending, and have a high possibility of getting dropped.   I want to know what the ramifications are if I am convicted.  I will either receive a dismissal or deferred adjudication for the possession of a controlled substance.  and the drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor.   

I want apply for Jobs late this summer.  ( i graduate from TESC in Dec. )  and the one that has really interested me, says i will need to gain Unescorted Entrance.     

What cards am I playing with here?  Thanks Guys.

[HydroDave63]

What cards am I playing with here? 

Go Fish!

[Khak-Hater]

What cards are you playing with?  How about one big cardboard card that says "Will work for Peyote."?  

Realistically, it's hard to answer your question without knowing your background and for which jobs you're planning to apply.  Honestly, it's really not that bleak if you're totally forthright about it.  You may not get a security clearance right away [but then again you might].  If I was planning to continue to use illegal hallucinogens, I'd stay away from jobs requiring a security clearance anyway.  Have you ever considered a position in sales?  You might also try switching to hallucinogens that aren't illegal (e.g., nutmeg, Jimson weed, rat poison, sleep deprivation).

Good luck,

mgm

[dayoungn]

Soooo.  Thank you for those who have responded so far.  I do not use the hallucinogens anymore. They found a jar that had 6 month old mushrooms in a jar full of water (for tea), so they should have been deactivated (thats what im hoping for), and therefore case dismissed (hopefully).

I would really appreciate some more informed responses (Khak-Hater).  I am clean, and have been for a while.  I do not use any illegal substances. And will not work for Peyote.   

I am interested in the job from Exelon (http://www.nukeworker.com/job/details/job/9360/search/). 
I graduated from the Navy Nuclear Pipeline, and will be graduating from TESC with BSAST in Nuclear Eng. Tech.

So Again, I'm looking for some responses to the feasibility of being able to gain an Unescorted Clearance.
Thanks again Guys.

[dayoungn]

Gosh.  You guys are difficult.   Mr. Bill, I have been to rehab for my problem. I am taking every necessary step to make myself better.  I no longer use illegal substances.  I dont care if anyone validates my behavior.  I have moved past it and am trying to continue on with my life.  I am fighting what i can, and accepting what i cant.  I am looking for more of a confidence booster  than just smart ass replies.  Inevitably, I will apply for the job and be honest and forthcoming about my past and my present. 

The added sarcasm and degrading you guys put out just really isnt helpful at all.  Thanks to all who judge.

So again, is there anyone out there who has had a similar situation with positive results?  What extra obstacles did you have to overcome to achieve you goal? 

Moreover, are any of my circumstances a dead end to gaining clearance (in your opinion).

Wow.

[Khak-Hater]

Man, you're kind of sensitive.  I wasn't trying to degrade you.  I was trying to be helpful based on the information provided.  At no point in your original post did you say that you had given up hallucinogens or sought professional help about it.  For all I knew, you still embraced their use.  Which is cool, I wasn't passing judgement.  There are jobs in our business that are far more tolerant of those who want to continue to engage in mind-expanding activities.  I know [or know of] several of these guys. 

I can't provide any first-hand advice regarding your stated job path that you are pursuing.  I've been working in the DOE side of the business for the last eight years.  Someone who works with Security at a commercial plant would need to help on this matter.  I can tell you, that for DOE security clearances, the fact that you have sought formal help and provided full disclosure would be a great start.  It might take a little longer for the investigation, but you'd have a good shot.

Good luck,

mgm

[dayoungn]

Khak-Hater,  yeah.  i might be a little sensitive on this one, but its because its about my future.  I take it pretty serious (now a days anyway).  So I didn't mean to blow up like that,  but thanks for the responses. Both of them were constructive , regardless of my reaction. .

[Fermi2]

Why would you object to being judged when you're a self admitted druggie?

[HydroDave63]

Why would you object to being judged when you're a self admitted druggie?

You mean to tell me, none of you people working in the industry with licenses and clearances and such, never enjoy a cup of magic-mushroom flavored Denial Tea while watching TV ? 

[dayoungn]

Wow.

[Nuclear NASCAR]

Wow.

Just us putting the fun in dysfunctional.   

[HydroDave63]

Just us putting the fun in dysfunctional.   

Now THAT's funny, don't matter who ya' are!

On-topic: The watery mushroom tea story, and defending it, may display an unwillingness of heart to get rid of the old ways step 6 , just sayin...

[MeterSwangin]

Dude.  What a load of crap you are getting from the dweebs on this list.

Look, just call Bartlett.  They can answer your question in no time.  They get all manner of tax evaders, right wing nutcase survivalists, wife beaters and NASCAR fans badged.  The criteria are uniform across the industry now.

Tell them you are interested in work,.  That will immediately distinguish you from the droolers giving you so much grief here.

[G-reg]

Dude.  What a load of crap you are getting from the dweebs on this list.

Look, just call Bartlett.  They can answer your question in no time.  They get all manner of tax evaders, right wing nutcase survivalists, wife beaters and NASCAR fans badged.  The criteria are uniform across the industry now.

Tell them you are interested in work,.  That will immediately distinguish you from the droolers giving you so much grief here.

It's always easy to distinguish providers of the most highly-qualified advice; the first sentence (in its entirety) is always:

"Dude."

[Khak-Hater]

"Dweebs,"  there's a term that I haven't heard since high school. 

Good point though "MeterSwangin," a large number of the people that I was referring to [who still enjoy mind-expanding substances] work or have worked for Bartlett.  It would make sense that they'd be proficient at dealing with this type of personnel issue.  It's probably decent advice. 

mgm

[fueldryer]

"Dweebs,"  there's a term that I haven't heard since high school. 

Good point though "MeterSwangin," a large number of the people that I was referring to [who still enjoy mind-expanding substances] work or have worked for Bartlett.  It would make sense that they'd be proficient at dealing with this type of personnel issue.  It's probably decent advice. 

mgmWOW !, So you're saying a large number of Bartlett employee's are druggies? Thats a pretty bold statement..Maybe a little offensive too.In my twenty years in the business I don't think I've ever run into a Bartlett Tech druggie.They all have been pretty top notch.

[Khak-Hater]

Fueldryer,

First of all, I'm not saying that "druggie" is a bad thing.  I have lots of friends who use drugs.  Alcohol is a drug.  Caffeine is a drug.  Nicotine is a drug.  Prescription medications are drugs [that's why we used to call pharmacies "drug stores."].  Each drug has its own associated detrimental health effects.  Personally, I drink water, milk, and protein shakes, but I don't pass judgement on people who drink beer, coffee, or take medicine.  As long as they're responsible for their behavior, it's none of my business.

Now some drugs are illegal.  Personally, I think that's a shame.  If we legalized drugs and taxed them [like we do with cigarettes and alchohol] we could turn a financial burden (i.e., the "War on Drugs" and all of the POWs associated with that war] into a tax windfall.  Nonetheless, they are illegal, and if you want to participate in certain jobs (e.g., those requiring a security clearance), then you're leaving it to chance that you get to keep that job, should you choose to participate in illegal activities.  It's a simple choice, not a moral issue.

Second of all, I didn't say that most Bartlett employees are "druggies."  What I said was that a large number of the people who I know [or know of] in this business who still enjoy mind-expanding substances [which is a relatively small percentage of people overall] work or have worked for Bartlett, and, as such, they should have experience dealing with the associated personnel issues.  Those are completely different things.  If you don't see that, let me know and I'll explain in greater detail. 

I'm not denying that most Bartlett employees are pretty top notch, but if you haven't met a Bartlett Tech, in 20 years, who used illegal drugs, then maybe you should open your eyes every once in a while [or maybe not, since, if they do their jobs well enough that you can't tell, then it's really none of your business].

Have a fine day,

mgm

[fueldryer]

Fueldryer,

First of all, I'm not saying that "druggie" is a bad thing.  I have lots of friends who use drugs.  Alcohol is a drug.  Caffeine is a drug.  Nicotine is a drug.  Prescription medications are drugs [that's why we used to call pharmacies "drug stores."].  Each drug has its own associated detrimental health effects.  Personally, I drink water, milk, and protein shakes, but I don't pass judgement on people who drink beer, coffee, or take medicine.  As long as they're responsible for their behavior, it's none of my business.

Now some drugs are illegal.  Personally, I think that's a shame.  If we legalized drugs and taxed them [like we do with cigarettes and alchohol] we could turn a financial burden (i.e., the "War on Drugs" and all of the POWs associated with that war] into a tax windfall.  Nonetheless, they are illegal, and if you want to participate in certain jobs (e.g., those requiring a security clearance), then you're leaving it to chance that you get to keep that job, should you choose to participate in illegal activities.  It's a simple choice, not a moral issue.

Second of all, I didn't say that most Bartlett employees are "druggies."  What I said was that a large number of the people who I know [or know of] in this business who still enjoy mind-expanding substances [which is a relatively small percentage of people overall] work or have worked for Bartlett, and, as such, they should have experience dealing with the associated personnel issues.  Those are completely different things.  If you don't see that, let me know and I'll explain in greater detail. 

I'm not denying that most Bartlett employees are pretty top notch, but if you haven't met a Bartlett Tech, in 20 years, who used illegal drugs, then maybe you should open your eyes every once in a while [or maybe not, since, if they do their jobs well enough that you can't tell, then it's really none of your business].

Have a fine day,

mgm

Read the original post:

"This year I was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1-4 grams (Mushrooms) and Possession of Drug paraphernalia".

I don't think this was about alcohol,coffee,smoking or prescription medications.I know alot of people who enjoy these.I'm talking about the illegal s**t..I wouldn't want to work with anyone who is into that mind altering s**t.Have a protein shake on me.

[Khak-Hater]

I'm talking about the illegal s**t..I wouldn't want to work with anyone who is into that mind altering s**t.

Man, you don't think alcohol is mind altering?  How about all of the people who's marriages, careers, and/or lives have been ruined by their use of this "legal" drug?  Where I grew up in Kentucky it is illegal to buy or sell alcohol.  We're talking "dry," real dry:  no hard stuff, no wine, no beer.  To those people, it's the illegal stuff, and whether you like to think so or not, it is a severely mind altering substance. 

That's why people drink it; and don't give me any of that "I like the taste of it" stuff that the wine and beer drinkers throw out.  Maybe somebody really likes the smell of pot smoke?  I know that I haven't smoked a Lucky Strike in over 20 years, but I still like the smell of that toasted tobacco smoke.

Now, I'm not anti-alcohol.  If somebody wants to alter his mind and not effect me or mine, then that's his business.  The work place has rules about reporting for work under the influence, whether it be alcohol, illegal drugs, or allergy medications that make you drowsy.  So we're not talking about the Fitness for Duty program here.  We're talking about what somebody does on his off time, and like I said, if it doesn't affect anyone else, then it's none of my business. 

LSMFT,

mgm

[stownsend]

   This year I was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1-4 grams (Mushrooms) and Possession of Drug paraphernalia. 

[/quote]  They found a jar that had 6 month old mushrooms in a jar full of water (for tea), so they should have been deactivated (thats what im hoping for), and therefore case dismissed (hopefully).

I am clean, and have been for a while.  I do not use any illegal substances.[/quote]

WOW! clean and sober for a full five months and you declare yourself free from your past.People are trying to give you some good advice.Go to rehab and continue with a follow up program.I don't know of any employer that has a security program that would hire you without extensive counselling.Good job on staying on track for the five months but you still have a way to go.

[fueldryer]

Why would you object to being judged when you're a self admitted druggie?

Very well put! My thoughts exactly.

[dayoungn]

 

 
WOW! clean and sober for a full five months and you declare yourself free from your past.People are trying to give you some good advice.Go to rehab and continue with a follow up program.I don't know of any employer that has a security program that would hire you without extensive counselling.Good job on staying on track for the five months but you still have a way to go.

Yeah clean for a full 6 months now.  You have to turn around sometime.....  And yes Ive been to rehab.

Anyway.   AGAIN EVERYONE! Thank You ALL For the advice, it has definitely given me some new insight and perspectives in ways to approach my situation. 

[stownsend]

I glad you have seen the light. When you apply for a security clearance there will be several questions they ask you to list. Have you ever been arrested for alcohol or drugs?When they see that you have a record involving illegal drugs some utilities will not even look at your qualifications.Why should they spend the money ensuring you are still clean and sober.If any programs do look at you, they will most definitely send you for a complete medical evaluation,including Psychological evaluation. He will ultimately ask what are you doing to stay sober.If you tell him/her that you went to a three day retreat and declared yourself clean. Interview over.Find a follow up program to the rehab facility you went to and show them you know how to behave.Keep documentation of rehab for the rest of your life as you'll need it.

[dayoungn]

I glad you have seen the light. When you apply for a security clearance there will be several questions they ask you to list. Have you ever been arrested for alcohol or drugs?When they see that you have a record involving illegal drugs some utilities will not even look at your qualifications.Why should they spend the money ensuring you are still clean and sober.If any programs do look at you, they will most definitely send you for a complete medical evaluation,including Psychological evaluation. He will ultimately ask what are you doing to stay sober.If you tell him/her that you went to a three day retreat and declared yourself clean. Interview over.Find a follow up program to the rehab facility you went to and show them you know how to behave.Keep documentation of rehab for the rest of your life as you'll need it.

Noted, and will do.  Thank You.

[namlive]

4 Years ago, i was arrested for Child Endangerment and Criminal Mischief (Fight with Ex-wife).  Both Charges were dropped/dismissed.   This year I was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1-4 grams (Mushrooms) and Possession of Drug paraphernalia.  Both of these charges are pending, and have a high possibility of getting dropped.   I want to know what the ramifications are if I am convicted.  I will either receive a dismissal or deferred adjudication for the possession of a controlled substance.  and the drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor.   

I want apply for Jobs late this summer.  ( i graduate from TESC in Dec. )  and the one that has really interested me, says i will need to gain Unescorted Entrance.     

What cards am I playing with here?  Thanks Guys.

I remember when I used to hold things for friends....Can you say ComEd? That is where the industry used to send their problem children to dry out and rebuild a reputation. Since the drug charge is recent, a stint in a rehab to show you are "cured" and sincere about sinning no more would help. 4 grams of shrooms? That's it? Heck, they don't even have a urine test for that.

The industry has more tolerance for drug users if they don't get caught. There are guys who have killed people with a clearance. Just don't tell any lies you can get caught in. If you are in doubt as what to say, fall back on the truth, that way you can keep your story straight.

Now if the rap is in a state, you neither live or work and you have no connection to that state, other than the charges, you used to be able to get away with not listing it because they only checked the communities where you stated you lived and worked. And of course you would need 3 people who can vouch or lie for you. Best to use the guy you bought the stuff from.