it will be up to the judge to decide how long you have to be a good boy (deferred judgement). it might be up to 24 months. You may have to do some extra stuff on occasion (pee in a cup, meet with probation officer etc.) Basically, As long as you don't end up back in front of the same judge before your deferred judgement ends for another crime no conviction will be entered. The arrest however, will more than likely show up on the fbi check. its up to you how to explain it. that being said misdemeanors won't hold you back as long as you're honest about it. Not just to your prospective employer but also consider homeland security might want more info as well. its sounds like you've accepted the situation for what it is, so you'll probably be fine there. you might have issues trying to get into other countries (canada, australia) but those are usaully taken care of with the right paperwork. having a record isn't a deal breaker by anymeans but it does make things more difficult for sure. good luck. Don't give up and I hope it works out.