State Waver

[Sgt.Dome]

Hi, My name is Justin, I'll be 26 on December 17th. I live in Joliet, IL. I talked to a recruter about a year and a half ago about joining, everything was going well untill I told him about a few mistakes I've made in the past.
I have got two marijuana charges from when I was a teenager, And I have two DUI's on my record.
I asked a friend that was in the National Guard (he's now a corectional officer) about my situation, and he said all I have to do is get a state waver, and wait 6 months after my court case is over with and I should be able to join up. I'm making this post to see if I can get any other advice about my situaion.
I am very dedicated on joining up, and i'm not gonna take no for an answer next time I talk to a recruter.
I want to join because I want to help protect my country and also prove something to myself.
True I should of done it a long time ago, but that was then and this is now. Please... any advice anyone can give me would be great.
THANK YOU!

[VTguard]

Assuming that your drug charges were misdemeanors, that gives you a total of 4 misdemeanor charges. This requires a state level (AG) waiver and a 12 month waiting period (not 6 months) since the final disposition of the last offense. Occasionally, an exception to policy can be approved for up to 6 months, but this is not very often used. If it has been over a year since your the final dispostion of your last offense, then your recruiter should be able to submit a AG waiver on your behalf. Good luck.

[Sgt.Dome]

Yes they are all misdemeanors, I have one more question. Do you HAVE to have a valid drivers license to join? I'll have a valid license by the time i'm able to join, I'm just wondering tho'.
Thanks for your reply VTguard! :)