Arrested for possession of a controlled substance - do you think I have a chance?

[oldeddieboy]

Here's the story....

This has been the worst weekend of my life. I was driving my mother's car and was pulled over for a tail light - the officer asked if he could search the car and I said sure....well, 10 minutes later he shows up with a little white pill and ask me what it is. I told him "I have no idea" and he says it's OXYCODONE. I've never illegally done a drug in my life so I told him it must be my mother's medication. He didn't care and I went to jail. From jail, I called my mother and she said "that belongs to your aunt - she left it in the ashtray when I gave her a ride."

Anyway, I was arrested for "simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance" - a class 1 misdemeanor. I pretty sure it'll be dismissed seeing as it was aunt's medication, BUT the arrest will always be on my record. :sniff:

I looked at the North Carolina BON website and it says "In the application, the question is asked whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony/DUI. If the response is yes, a certified copy of the criminal record must be submitted."

So to my understanding (and hopes) when I apply for a nursing license, I can answer "no" to that question if I've only been arrested, but not convicted of anything....right?

This is my first run in with the law since I was a stupid 18 year old (7.5 yrs ago) and arrested for speed competition (racing). The case was dismissed.

I have my bachelors degree in human services with a 3.9 gpa and a 4.0 gpa in all the nursing pre-reqs. I've worked hard and thought I was doing everything right.....I would hate for my great aunt's pain pill to destroy everything I've worked for.

I know you folks can't give me a definitive answer, but any comments would be appreciated. I would hate to go through nursing school and end up not getting licensed or being able to get a job.

[windmill182]

My understanding of the question is, "Have you been convicted" It doesnt ask if you have been arrested. You can be arrested, but you arent found guilty until proven. They can only do that in court.

[Jarnaes]

You need an attorney.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

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 and if so, can i get a job?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, 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/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• what if i have a “deferred adjudication”? will i have to declare this as a conviction?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
  
• what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school
  

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

if you are currently licensed as a nurse and have been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including dui/dwi or any criminal offense, you need to contact the bon in every state you hold a license/wish to be licensed and ask their reporting requirements.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Tis in your best interest to have your aunt get in touch with arresting officer and show RX bottle ---pill can be checked via lot # on pill @ times.

Best wishes in moving forward ---if lots of static--GET A LAWYER to protect your future interests.