Background check by US government.

[Que Wis]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin
I need to fill out a form for background checks for clearance on a federal government job, I was convicted of marijuana possesion around 1976 and completed my 1 year probation without any problems. I was 18 at the time.
Can you tell me if I need to report this on the background form and if so what language would you suggest I use regarding this situation?
I have had no other crimes since and do not do any drugs.
I am concerned about this information getting to my current employer that did not have this information when I was hired over 25 years ago, not to mention possibly being denied a security clearance for this project.
Can you tell me if there is a statute of limitation for this record?
I believe that at the time, remembering the judge and probation officer telling me that if I successfully completed my probation the record would be sealed, is this true?
Thanks!

 

[JETX]

"I need to fill out a form for background checks for clearance on a federal government job, I was convicted of marijuana possesion around 1976 and completed my 1 year probation without any problems. I was 18 at the time.
Can you tell me if I need to report this on the background form"
*** Report it. If you don't and it is found out later, you will be terminated for lying. Though the risk of catching you in a lie is low, the penalty is too high.

"and if so what language would you suggest I use regarding this situation?"
*** Simply report it as you did here. 'Charged with marijuana possession around 1976 as a teenager. Completed probation.'

"Can you tell me if there is a statute of limitation for this record?
*** Yes, and the answer is no. Realizing that those old records may or may not have gotten entered into a computer they may be found or not. But there is no Statute of Limitation on a conviction.

"I believe that at the time, remembering the judge and probation officer telling me that if I successfully completed my probation the record would be sealed, is this true?"
*** Probably not.