Jimmybooya,

I don't think you have much to worry about.  The drug use, assuming it was marijuana, and when you said, isn't going to be a problem.  And if you don't plan on applying for 5 years, you'll be OK.  Just stay away from it between now and then.  The traffic tickets should not be an issue either, as long as it was speeding or red violation type issues.  Something like a DUI could be a different story.  Your concern appears to be the "he said, she said" issue that you are getting expunged.  The expungement is a good idea on your part.  I have no idea what the accusation was about.  There are different ways to handle that.  You could call the agency you are interested in and ask them how they handle the expungement on an application.  They may have a policy as to how to report that, or they may say that an expungement is not something you should report.  Or, they may require even an expungement be reported.  If you do report that situation, be sure to attach the expungement paperwork to your application.  Keep in mind, that an expungement is a legal process that will clear your record, but it does not erase that part of your life.  It is still something that occurred, but the legal process cleared it from your record.  In my agency, if a situation occurred and is expunged, it isn't going to be a disqualifying factor.  We may look at it and want to know some of the details, but if it was expunged, it is essentially a non-issue.  Without knowing more details about your situation, that is about all I can say.  The key for you, it appears, is that you be honest in your application.  Dishonesty in an application is always a disqualifier with any reputable agency.  If you falsify an application, it is not what you did in the past that is the issue.  The issue then becomes that you were not honest about it. Law enforcement agencies aren't looking for angels.  If they were, there wouldn't be anyone working in law enforcement.  It sounds from what you have said that you'll be an asset to any agency based upon your educational background.  Good luck!