Criminal Law Misdemeanor marijuana possesion + Green card

[skagboy]

While driving to school 12 years ago, My then roommate and i got pulled over for speeding in a School Zone a subsequent search of the car the officer found in the armrest my friend's pack of cigarretes with the aforementioned marijuana cigarette, i was given a ticket for speeding and one for no insurance, and off to school we went. two or three weeks later two police officers came to the house to arrest me, because i was the driver they said i was in possession. i went to Harris county jail for two days and was released.
I'm now 31 been married for a year to a U.S. citizen and about to apply for a green card.
i have been a model citizen (no pun intended) since then, no other convictions or traffic tickets, just finished my education at the Institute of Audio Research. I am now a Sound Engineer.
I was 18 and illegally in the country at the time of my conviction.
Where does that leave me now?
Also my sister is a U.S. citizen and petitioned for me back in 2000 when i was still single, is that petition of any help?
I'd appreciate any information for those of you out there who are familiar with this area.

 

[Husty]

You could, in theory, qualify for the simple possession exception. This rule applies only to a one time charge and conviction of possession of marihuana and not any other controlled substances.
Since the conviction occurred so long ago it shouldn't be considered a negative factor given your equity. You have also showed rehabilitation efforts so that alone should balance the scales of positive and negative factors.
Understand that drug-related offenses are considered to affect immigration and adjudication of benefits in a great way, even more than a regular CIMT.
This is not legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to make sure you're eligible for adjustment of status.