Declaratory Order, advice please.

[Lfransis]

Hi everyone, I have a question concerning the declaratory order. I graduate in August and am sending my petition in this month.

In all honesty, I am reporting the DWI that I got over 8 years ago.

But:

As a minor in high school(13 yrs ago)- I skipped school and went in the home of a friends grandparents and smoked some cigerettes.

I was actualy charged with Criminal Trespassing and was on probation for a year.

I have called the county about this and they are saying they have no record of this incident and that the records are sealed. In order for the records to be opened someone has to "petition the court".

What am I supposed to do? Petition the court? Dig for these records?

My Instructors are saying report this.

My Mother(an LVN) and others, including the county clerk, are suggesting that I not.

Does any one have any information that would help me make this decision by next week?

Thanks in advance. C-

[SFCardiacRN]

Best to include it now and not have a problem later. Explain it just as you did in your post and it won't be a problem. Licensing boards don't expect everyone to be "perfect angels" but they do expect honesty. However, I doubt they have access to your records as a minor.

[suzanne4, RN]

Definitely list it, it should not cause you any issues, but if you do not, it could come back to haunt you later on.

[hypnotic_nurse]

Talk to a lawyer or a judge and get a valid opinion on this -- you might even call the BON and see what they say.

This is what I know: My daughter was in a similar situation when she was 12. I made her go through all the probation, etc. When she was done, the judge told me that "her slate would be wiped clean" and as long as she didn't get into any other trouble as a minor, she would have no record.

[Lfransis]

Thank you everyone for the advise. My husband has told me all along to "not lie", so as to not have to sweat it out. I guess I will call the BNE and ask them , as well. Thanks again, C-