Where Do I go From Here - Quitting pot

[bearrusty1]

Hello everyone I'm just here to vent again. I am so discouraged with life right now. Everytime I take 2 steps forward, I seemed to be knocked back 4 steps. I just completed my master's and am in these process of trying to procure employment, however I have a charge on my criminal background record from 1998 that I need to get espunged so I can apply for the jobs I am seeking in my field. I spoke with the office of the solicitor in 2008 for the state in which the offense occured and was told that I could get this charge removed since so much time has passed. I didn;t take care of it in 2008 but called her back this morning to get the fee 4 espungement and she informs me that I am no longer eligible because I had one espungement removed in the mid nineties and you can only have one removed in a lifetime. She said I would have to hire a lawyer and the lawter I contacted said he could do it but his fee is $1500, this is a huge jump from the $205 that I was told I needed if the case was in a status where it could be espunged. I feel like all my hard work of attending graduate school was in vain if I can't get up the money to pay 4 hiring this lawyer. The first thing I thought of doing after hearing this horrible news was to get a bag of the drug and get high but I realized that this would just compound my anxiety, worry, and discouragement and possibly lead me towards suicidal thoughts. I can't go back to cannibas especially after all it has cost me. I truly wish that I had never started using drugs and I wouldn't be facing this personal crisis. I pray to remain focused and drug free so that I can have the confidence to keep moving forward with my life and not just give up. I truly am at crossroads in my life and need to know where to go from here .

[In Treatment]

Hey Bearrusty,

First of all, its incredible that you got a masters! Thats quite the feat!

I would hold off getting a lawyer until you do some more research. And when you do, find a lawyer you trust. I have contacted a close friend of mine, who used to be a superior court judge, and asked him the rules for getting charges removed.

Without knowing what type of charge, or where you live (usa or canada or other), its more difficult, however ill see if i can get some general information for you. There are lots of law professionals who are willing to give you information for little to no cost, and if they want large sums just for information than find someone else.

Ill let you know when i get a reply.

[bearrusty1]

Inthegrinder, thank you so much for responding to my post, any information you come by would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] if you get any information regarding this situation. I'm really in a pickle. Thanks again and God bless !

[In Treatment]

Hey!

no problem!

My buddy got back to me. He told me (in all caps no less), that whoever told you that you can only get one charge removed in your life should go climb a tree. I am from Canada, and in Canada you need to go talk to the RCMP.

Now again, I would guess your from the States (only saying that because there are so many people in the US its statistically likely that your one of them). Correct me if im wrong.

I want to keep as much communication as possible on here, so it can help others, but i have sent you an email because it would be useful if i knew what your charge was, and where you live.

[bearrusty1]

Thanks inthegrinder, I received your e-mail and I have responded back to your e-mail. I've listed the charges and hopefully will receive some additional advice from your friend. I can say one thing about this whole scenerio, it has definitely made me more determined to stay away from cannibas especially when I think of all the trouble it has caused me, so I guess that's a good thing huh ?

[In Treatment]

That was one of the biggest reasons i quit. Because having something like that on your record can make it difficult to get certain jobs, cross the boarder into another country, and numberous other things legally.

I cant think of anyone who wants to have to check that box on an application "have you ever been convicted of a crime...."

[Cannabis Rehab Admin]

Thanks inthegrinder for doing that, it was really kind, it’s great to see the kind of help and support people offer each other here even though they themselves are going through a tough time.

Take care

[bearrusty1]

I agree wholeheartedly Rehab Admin ......it's selfless acts such as what Inthegrinder did for me as well as all of your supportive advice/encouragement that retores my faith in the capacity for good in all of us.......

[In Treatment]

Now i feel like an ass because i wasn't really able to help. I'm just kidding but really i wish i was able to. Unfortunitly my lawyer buddy is in Canada so USA law he doesn't work with.

All i can recommend to everyone, is to not pay a cent unless you get some information. There are 2 types of lawyers...

1. Any lawyer or paralegal who asks for money to even look at you. These are lawyers out to make money. Now i will say that everyone wants to make money, but when you put that ahead of your clients well being than it's unethical and wrong.

2. A lawyer who cares about justice, and will likely not take a case unless they know the person is innocent and believe in what they are doing. These are lawyers who you need to find. They are few and far between, but they are out there.

[Cannabis Rehab Admin]

At least you tried inthegrinder it was a lovely gesture, like bearrusty1 says at least when people try and care it’s enough to give you a boost and helps to restore your faith. And let’s face it when times are tough hope and faith are one of the things we need the most.

Take care guys

[bearrusty1]

Ahh thanx anyway inthegrinder, I think I will go with the lawyer I spoke with last, his fee was half of the first lawyer's fee and he seemed very confident that he could get my record purged. Thanks for the support from you and the BFB. Take care !