In 1994, I was arrested in NJ and fingerprinted for possession of a controlled substance (cocaine - small vial). It was my first and only arrest - ever! Since it was my first offense, I was given six months probation with reporting and testing every month. Completed the requirement and no other violations (other than a couple of parking tickets and expired tags). Will the charge show up on a criminal background check after so long? Can it be expunged?

Depends on who is doing the background check - always visible to Police Agencies and the Feds, even if expunged.

Here is the info you need: NJ Expungements: Expungement of Criminal Records. Have Your New Jersey Record Expunged. FAQ