I have over 15 years tractor trailer experience. I have been off the road since Dec. 2002 I was convicted of a drug felony in 2006 and am currently clean and sober and have been since my arrest in Jul 2004 (the case hung out there for a long time and I pleaded guilty to get it over with and move on with changing my life) I lost my CDL and am considering getting it back. I really would like to know if I am going to be able to return to driving before I go the expense. I have a clean driving record and am a hardworker. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

There will be some, but at this point in the economy jobs of all types are tighter so it will be a lot of looking. ** or even moving depending on where you live.

First think that many of the higher paying national carriers most likely will not, they can pick the best of the best.
So think local haul and/or regional carriers whose pay is bad, and turn over is high. Also don't overlook things like tow trucks, dump trucks for construction companies.