Hello, I live in Idaho, and before being arrested for DUI one year ago I was a firefighter. I have recently sent a letter to my judge requesting a dismisal of the charge, and was granted the dismisal leaving me with a non conviction/withheld judgment on my record. My question is: As I re enter the work force and begin to turn in applications, how much of this blight on my record am I required to disclose? Also, is their any way to wipe the record "completely clean" leaving no trace of my indiscretion? Any additional information on this subject would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Michael

Hello M:

Most employers want to know about convictions. You don't have any.

excon

In a job application you only have to disclose legal matters in which you were found guilty (adjudicated). If there was an order to withhold adjudication, it is not considered as being convicted of a crime. When you fill out an application, it normally reads: Have you been convicte of a crime? You have not. You don't need to disclose anything. However, that being said, a potential employer can run a background check on you, and find that charge on record, but can see that you were not convicted.
Usually, you can have your record expunged seven to ten years after an incident, if there are no further convictions. You may contact an attorney, and ask. Usually an attorney will answer your question free of charge.