DWI Misdemeanors in past. Board wants more info...

[nycmoon, RN]

Hello:

I am not proud of it and not happy to announce this for thousands of people to read but I would like to reach out and get helpful feedback from others in my Nursing community.

I have two misdemeanor charges related to alcoholism. I am in recovery now, sober, stable, and would actually like to work in the mental health, chemical dependency areas of health care.

I sent my ATT form and heard back from the New York State Board asking for court documents and a letter concerning the situation. What should I send exactly? Should I go "all out" and send letters from the outpatient center where I received treatment, character witness letters from someone? Or would that be too much or even a turn off to them. Can they deny me? If so, can i reapply?

Should I keep it simple and write a letter on my own along with the documents from the courts?

The first offense was many years ago and the second was almost 3 years ago.

When filling out the application I simply checked Yes when asked if I have ever been found guilty of a misdemeanor. Should I only address the last one or both? Honesty is best but I don't want to lead with the chin either.

Thanks,

SJ