[DougieH]

Had a possession of cocaine charge literally at my front door after my girlfriend called 911 because the alarm went off and someone was seen running off in security cameras. Long story short I answered the door and they pulled a bag of cocaine out. I'm not going to deny whether it was justified or not however the courts and judge said to just do IEP and the charges would be dismissed and then expunged. I completed the program and drug screens all passing so got my certificate. I found out recently the court order was to dismiss and then expunge would be approved but due to my ignorance I didn't know I had to fill out paperwork and pay my lawyer AGAIN to do the expungement. He said the dissmissal however would be completed. I took the 6 month course and completed with certificate and signed and notarized and sent back to court months ago. How long before it reflects dismissed? I have a great job opportunity and made it through the interview process for a financial institution. The next thing they will ask is for background check. How long after completion and filing with court order to dismiss does it take? If I check is there a good free place to use? I know the public record w the jail will still show charge and never a conviction but is that accurate

[Fr_Chuck]

Officially, if not showing a conviction, a pending charge should not show up on a background check anyway. Only those charges showing a conviction. Also, tech, you can not expunge a charge that is dismissed, only changes from convictions, plea deals or pleading guilty. A chage that is dismissed, does not appear on a list of convictions.

As to US. National Security positions and positions with law enforcement shows all arrests, even "expunged ones.