in 1997 i was convicted of possesion of a control subtance (weed)i was sentence to 3 year probation which i violated and did some state time. since them i havn't been in any trouble with the law.How can i go about getting this conviction off of my record
New York has no expungement statutes. The best you can do is seek a pardon of executive clemency from the Governor's office. If you had no lawyer when you took the plea, you may be able to get the case reoppened and dismissed.
Unfortunately, New York State does not allow for expungement. You might consider going to court and asking the judge for a certificate of relief from civil disabilities. This might help you remove barriers to certain employment opprtunities.