Acquitted- Should I disclose?

[MelanieLee]

Hi - I have a serious question about getting approved for a license:

I was recently accepted into my local nursing program who requires a background check. Nothing is on my record; however, as a teenager (age 15), I was accused and charged with a very serious offense and certified as an adult. I had nothing to do with this offense, but I spent two years and eight months WAITING in the county jail for my TRIAL. My trial lasted two weeks and I was ACQUITTED of all charges and released. By then, I was 18 years old. (I'm 33 now.) It has since been expunged off my record. I have no issue disclosing this information if necessary. I have been a model citizen ever since. Earned my GED. Graduated college. I have two beautiful daughters. I've had two speeding tickets my entire life. Is this something the BON might hold against me? Will I have to disclose it? Legally I'm not required to since I was acquitted and expunged, but I don't want it held against me if I don't disclose it either. I want to do the right thing and I don't mind being transparent about my childhood if I need to be. I don't want this to keep me from becoming a nurse.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a dui or other related charges?
  
• what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  
• can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  

if your bon asks if you've been charged with/convicted of a crime, you will have to answer yes.

your bon is the only entity who can properly advise you.

we wish you well.