Anyone w/ multiple criminal charges read!

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How's it going everyone. Thought I would make a post hoping that it would help anyone in a similar situation. Alright, so basically I have two prior arrests both while in college, and both for Operating While Impaired/Intoxicated. The first offense, without going into much detail, I blew a 0.10 BAC and was subsequently arrested back in 2012 in Michigan before nursing school. HOWEVER, I got a lawyer who was crazy expensive but totally worth it, fought the charge and got in reduced to Reckless Driving no questions asked.

LISTEN HERE: IF ANYONE TELLS YOU THAT GETTING A CHARGE REDUCED OR EXPUNGED IS A WAIST OF TIME AND MONEY IS WRROOONNGGG!!!! Fight any charge you have, get it reduced!!! Alright so with the Reckless Driving on my record, I applied to nursing school and got into a BIG TEN University's Nursing Program with no questions asked regarding this offense. I was enrolled in nursing school and everything was going smoothly until I got arrested AGAIN, unfortunately in 2013.

To make a long story short: I slid up onto a snow bank pulling into my apartment complex, got stuck, flagged down a passing cop car for help, was Breathalyzed, and blew a 0.06 BAC. YES THAT IS RIGHT A 0.06 BAC!!!!! Below the legal limit. I don't want to minimize what I did, especially after my first incident I should not have even thought about drinking anything and driving. Especially being in nursing school. And yes if the cops a dick and feels like ******* you over he can charge you with whatever, so yes you can get charged with a OWI/DUI if you blow below the legal limit. So be super careful. So again I hired the same attorney, charged me a **** ton of money but I eventually got the charged dropped to OWVI (operating while visibly impaired or a BAC of 0.02-0.07, which is still a misdemeanor) then reduced further after a probationary period to a careless driving, which is a civil infraction (not a misdemeanor like Reckless or OWVI or a DUI/OWI).

But I had to work my ass off to get this charged reduced, I was on probation and had to do alcohol testing everyday for 3 months straight, then after that weekly ETG tests that go back like 3-4 days to see if any alcohol is in your system for another 3 months. I had to do alcohol classes weekly and the whole shebang. But eventually after the 6 months it was erased off my record and reduced to a careless, basically a speeding ticket.

Bare with me I'm getting there....so when I graduated and went to apply for my Michigan RN license I was a little nervous. But I filled out the application, and on the section where it stated to write down any criminal CONVICTIONS I stated that I was CONVICTED of a reckless driving, and since I graduated in August and the OWVI was going to be reduced to a careless in that upcoming October, I stated that I have an OWVI, which is getting reduced in a few months to a careless, or a speeding tx. Called about 3-4 weeks after I sent in my application and the BON was like "YOU ARE GOOD, ALL CLEAR!" Didn't have to send in any court documentation or anything.

So NOTE when applying places if it asks for ANY CONVICTIONS* If an application asks for PAST CHARGES, be wary about applying to that state for your license because that means ANY CHARGES* even if they were expunged or reduced. So I took my NCLEX and passed! Then after I passed my boards, my parents moved to Louisiana and I decided to follow, work down south, and try something new.

So I applied for my RN-BY ENDORSEMENT LICENSE. I was a little scared to apply for my License in Louisiana. After I read the application it stated under the criminal history section to INCLUDE ANY CHARGES THAT HAVE BEEN DROPPED OR EXPUNGED and to send in the arresting records and court documents. So basically the Louisiana BON knows what I was originally arrested for. But I thought I got my license in Michigan no problem so Louisiana wouldn't have an issue with my record. WRONG!!!

Basically took them 2 months to investigate my criminal background. After that and calling them weekly for about 2 months, they told me it has been recommended to delay your application for 5 years!!!!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!! I already got hired down there as an RN, but wasn't working due to my application pending. So I had to quit the place I got hired at before even working because I couldn't get my license and explained the situation. I could have appealed the BON's decision regarding my license but that would have cost $$$$$$ in lawyer fees and taken months just to get a probationary license. And if you notice when applying to any other states by endorsement or renewing your RN license, and even on job applications there's a section that asks if your RN license has EVER BEEN REVOKED, DENIED, or put on PROBATION, and etc by any licensing agency. Whhhoooooo, nope!!!!! As soon as I saw that on the Texas RN-Endorsement application and when renewing my Michigan RN license I immediately called up the Louisiana BON withdrew my RN application.

So my point here is if you have a criminal record, RESEARCH THE STATES you want to apply for. Louisiana includes expunged misdemeanors so if you have a few misdemeanors, especially alcohol or drug related DON'T APPLY THERE. But Michigan I had no issue.

And Texas on the other hand, their application specifically states you DON'T have to include expunged charges or class C traffic misdemeanors. So technically I don't think I even need to include my reckless driving on the texas application but I did so just to be safe. And if it's too late and you sent your RN application to a state like Cali or Louisiana who's super strict with past criminal charges; WITHDRAW YOUR APPLICATION BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!! You don't want to have to check yes to YES MY LICENSE HAS BEEN REJECTED BY..., or YES MY LICENSE HAS BEEN PUT ON PROBATION or YES MY LICENSE WAS DENIED BY....and have to explain this.

I know I made some poor choices in the past while at college, but I'm looking forward to moving on with my career and staying out of trouble. I'm currently moving back to Michigan from Louisiana because of this whole licensing ordeal. Thought I would try to make the most of my situation and try to help others out in the same boat, so feel free to message me or reply with any questions. Best of luck to everyone!! AND ABOVE ALL DON'T GIVE UP AND FIGHT ANY CHARGES!!

I'm hoping I can get some advice here. I very disappointed in myself. I got my second DUI very recently but I have not been convicted yet. My first was in 2008, I got my license in 2013 with no problems. I am currently in grad school to become a NP with a projected grad date of Dec 2021. I am living in a compact state (I don't want to disclose at this moment). I am worried that my license is going to be put on probation and I will not be able to practice as a NP because of this and I will definitely not be able to move to other states to practice. At this point I am considering dropping out of school because I don't want to waste my money if I will not be able to practice. Any words of wisdom or advice? Thanks.

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Beythankful RN, I’ve been there. I would fight nail and teeth to get this new charged reduced. Not saying this for your nursing license but in general it’ll look a lot nicer getting that charged reduced. I would get a good attorney. Look at reviews online, through work of mouth, family, etc. Get someone good, and in the county or area where you got charged so they’re familiar with the area and might know the judge or whoever and can work a deal out. It’s going to be kinda pricy but I would definitely spend the extra buck and find a good dui attorney. Look up the driving laws in your state. I was able to get mine reduced to a careless driving which is not a misdemeanor. But the original charge for my offense is still on my driving record just not my criminal record. Contact an attorney that deals with RN licensing as well. Quit drinking and start going to AA meetings and get documentation that your going so you can show the judge that and that you’re serious about changing your ways when you come to court. Even if you don’t wanna go or think those meetings are a waste of time it’ll look good none the less. I’m not sure if you had to do that previously. Was your prions offense in ‘08 reduced to lesser charge? 

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I don’t know the circumstances surrounding your arrest and hopefully I’m offering good advice. In my situation what benefited me a lot was being able to get the charges dropped to a lesser offense. Which can definitely happen. I had to jump through a lot of hoops. I remember going to meetings with people who got super DUIs (Double the fines and jail time) and got it reduced to lesser offenses like impaired driving or reckless driving so I would find an attorney or some representation that can make that happen. Easier said than done but keep your head up and just remember you can still keep your license, practice, and graduate but you might have to jump through some hoops in order to do so. 

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11 hours ago, Omegaseamaster said:

I don’t know the circumstances surrounding your arrest and hopefully I’m offering good advice. In my situation what benefited me a lot was being able to get the charges dropped to a lesser offense. Which can definitely happen. I had to jump through a lot of hoops. I remember going to meetings with people who got super DUIs (Double the fines and jail time) and got it reduced to lesser offenses like impaired driving or reckless driving so I would find an attorney or some representation that can make that happen. Easier said than done but keep your head up and just remember you can still keep your license, practice, and graduate but you might have to jump through some hoops in order to do so. 

I think I found the best lawyer. I'm paying him 1200 bucks which I think is a lot of money and he does a ton of dui cases. It seems like he's willing to fight for me so we'll see but I do not think it will get dropped. I really think I'm screwed and my professional career is over. I'm honestly scared I'm going to lose my job and get kicked out of school. I think I made a mistake by asking the BON and my school chair for advice. Now I'm worried that if I do or don't follow their advice I'm going to be in trouble. I just feel really hopeless at this point. 

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I was in that same spot. I know the feeling but I promise it gets better. It ended up being OK but I had to jump through a lot of hoops. I got a feeling it’ll be the same in your situation. A nursing buddy of mine is a violent felon and still has his nursing license although it’s restricted. He spent 3 months in jail, fought for his license, explained the situation regarding his arrest to the BON and was able to keep his license still although restricted and had to leave his hospital position. I’m not saying this situation is equal to yours but there are ways to keep your license. I was able to get both my arrests dropped/reduced to lesser charges. I’m not sure if it’s the same in all areas and the courts will take into consideration how much you blew. However there were individuals I went to court ordered classes with during my run ins that blew three times the legal limit and were able to get the charge reduced to an impaired or reckless. I’m not saying all states and counties are the same but I feel like you’re on the right path getting a good attorney that’ll fight for you. Attend AA meeting and record that as well. It might be an inconvenience but it’ll look good when you go to court. 

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That honestly helps me feel a lot better! I’m still so worried about what is going to end up happening. Do any of you know how this implicates a travel nurse? I just realized with my assignment ending, that I would like to travel elsewhere but never really thought about how often my travel agency does a criminal background check. I am still pending with the investigation, although my fingerprints will show my arrest. Am I better off extending here until further notice? 

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For NortherTravelingNurse, I cannot speak to travel nursing. I haven’t gotten my compact nursing license or applied for my CA license. I’m currently license in 3 states with one of them being a compact state and have had no issues really getting my license. I haven’t applied for my compact license since I don’t need it at this time. I just state on my application what appears on my fbi criminal record and don’t go into detail or mention my other run ins with law enforcement, and have had no issues since I started practicing as a nurse. It does take a little longer for me to get my license since I have to send in paperwork regarding my arrest that appears on my fbi criminal record. Do you know what they’re investigating? Is there a possibility that this charge might get dropped? I would just stay put where you’re at. You don’t need to keep applying to other states and have them dig up this incident. I originally got my license in one state, but when I attempted to get my license in LA they were going to deny me so I withdrew my application so I didn’t have to state why my application got denied. However, my situation was different as I had two recent arrests at the time and one charge I made the mistake of telling them about even though it was dropped from my criminal record. I doubt this would happen to you, but Personally I would just extend the contract where you’re at now and not go through the stress of applying for another state license with this charge pending. I hope this helps. 

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I was arrested last month so the first court hearing hasn’t even happened yet. I’m hoping it can get dropped completely but I blew a 0.14 so am worried that it will just get reduced. I am not applying for another state license since I have my compact, but I was hoping to travel to another compact state, and am worried the hospital itself will conduct its own background check before hiring me and then notifying my employer. I know it was an isolated incident and it’ll never happen again but I just hate the toll it has already taken on my life and career and I’m so worried about being able to continue travelling

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Definitely not the highest pbt but not the lowest. I would honestly go into this situation with the expectation that it’s not going to get dropped completely. I had one of my charges reduced and another eventually dropped but I had to jump through a lot of hoops and the circumstances of that arrest were atypical. I had the option when I was arrested for the first time for the same thing of getting it reduced to a reckless driving or an OWVI, which is visually impaired. I’m not saying that this will occur in your situation but I don’t see why you wouldn’t Be given the option to get this Charge reduced to a lesser offense. I would find a lawyer that can make this happen. Definitely choose the reckless driving option if given this. A reckless is more points on your license but worth it versus having a visually impaired on there. Also, make sure it isn’t just reduced on your criminal record, but your DRIVING RECORD as well. Personally, I don’t think that this will get dropped completely so don’t get bummed if it doesn’t. Having a DUI reduced is a huge success, at least in my book, and having one completely dropped is pretty rare. Not saying it couldn’t happen but it’s doubtful. But don't be discouraged if it’s not dropped. Having a reckless driving on your record or even a dui isn’t going to hold you back professionally. I have friends and friends of friends that got charged with a DUI and weren’t able to get it reduced at all and pled guilty to a DUI. I see what you’re saying about your employer doing a background check. I would honestly stay put where you’re at and extend your contract until this gets figured out. I’m not telling you to do this, but whenever I applied for a job and the interviewer asked questions about my “reckless driving” on my application or background check (if they even cared) I just told them I was going double the speed limit, or tried to race a cop. Which sounds a lot better than “it was actually a dui that got reduced”. 

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My only problem is that in Canada, a reckless driving conviction is basically just as bad as a DUI since they’re so strict (a US citizen would be inadmissible to Canada with a reckless). 
If I continued to fight the case to get it reduced to lesser than a reckless, how long did it take you and what kind of hoops did you have to go through for it? Did you ever make it to a jury trial? 
As well, the state where I am licensed, I was required to self report the arrest. So wouldn’t wherever I go to work be aware of the original arrest since the BON is aware? Or couldn’t they easily find out since the BON will have my info about the case even if it is destroyed everywhere else?

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OK gotcha, I didn’t know you’re coming from Canada. I’ve been to Canada following my reckless driving twice and have had no problems getting over the boarder. They never asked about my driving record so maybe they didn’t look or didn’t care I’m not sure. I never reached trial. I made a deal that I would plead guilty the first time to the reckless and it was settled within a few months. The second arrest it took about 9 months before it was finally settled and I plead guilty to a reduced sentence but following the completion of my probation it would be dropped from my criminal record. Personally I don’t think you’re employer is going to go to the BON if a dui or reckless is on your record And investigate it. They just want to make sure you have your license without restrictions. Honestly a reduced sentence and even a dui isn’t going to make it so you can’t practice so don’t stress too much about it. I’m not sure how it would affect your license in Canada or traveling there or if your arrest was in Canada. But I had no issues traveling there with my sketchy driving record. 

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That makes a lot of sense.  I think I’ve just been freaking out because I keep reading that it’s hard to travel with even a reckless on your record (such as Australia where I’m hoping to travel nurse someday). I’m in the US currently but wanted to visit home, but I wasn’t sure if they would let me cross back into the US after due to the charge, since in Canada it’s treated the exact same as a dui. A reckless would make it faster to go home, but I’m still weighing the option of fighting it down to a minor traffic offense for that purpose. I know I’ll always have to deal with the BON indefinitely just because I had an arrest in the first place although I don’t want it to bother the rest of my life too. I really appreciate the fact you posted this here in the first place, it has really helped give an idea of what to expect!

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