Criminal History & Getting A License?

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Specializes in Pediatric Neurology.

When I was 17 years old, I was pressured by a bad group of friends to shoplift a bottle of alcohol from a local grocery store. I was charged with petty theft and a minor in possession. I pled guilty and took two diversion courses. I have never done anything else like that in my life and I completely learned my lesson-- I was going through a rough month, my mother had recently passed away. It's been almost 4 years.

Would these charges affect my eligibility to get a nursing license?

I recently got into a fast track nursing school and I don't know whether or not to include these misdemeanor charges when asked if I have been convicted since I got them as a minor. I've been told that my record would be sealed at 18 and erased when I turned 21, but I don't know if I still need to report them.

And when I do apply to get my license, I don't know if I would need to report these charges and if they would deter me from becoming a nurse.

Does anyone have any advice?

I'm from Missouri

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Hello and welcome to the site. I moved your thread to the Nursing Licensure With A Criminal History forum where I think you will get more helpful responses.

Good luck!

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Depends on the state I suppose. In Maryland:

Under MD Code 10-109, an employer or educational institution on may not require,

as a condition on of employment or admission, that you disclose expunged information on about yourself.

This includes the state government. The state also may not require you to disclose expunged information

when you apply for a state license, permit, or other registration.

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