Florida BON and DUI

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Here we go..

So I am about to finish RN school next month and I am going to apply to take the NCLEX as well. I was arrested for a misdemeanor DUI in February of this year. I have not been convicted (my lawyer is still handling the case). I have already gotten all of my court documents together, letters of recommendation and self narrative. I just wanted to know if anyone was able to get their license with a pending DUI in Florida? I have taken all the required DUI classes, Victim Awareness, alcohol counseling and drug tests involved with this even though I have not been convicted. I was compliant with authorities and honest throughout this whole thing. This was a one-time mistake that will never, ever happen again... I still carry the guilt and embarrassment and have since not had a sip of alcohol. I never had a problem with it before, but I made it a personal choice because I am so traumatized by this situation. I am a good student, responsible, and caring.

I noticed no one really follows up with these posts, but I promise I will.. I want to give future RNs who made a stupid mistake some insight as to what they will deal with when they apply to the BON.

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Well... As I promised I will update here. I hope that someone will find this post and get some relief from it :) I graduated this October... Just received my ATT from the BON! My charge was reduced to reckless driving alcohol related and adjudication as been withheld (so I can get it sealed once probation is over). Let me tell you... this has been such a crazy year and I have learned so much from it. Not only will I get my license, but I just accepted my dream job offer from an ICU in my area. I was definitely thinking that none of this would happen but hard work and honesty pay off!

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Hi, thanks for writing.

I just recently got a DUI in October (huge mistake in judgement) and have been so anxious and nervous since regarding my license. I'm in the process of the case now and my lawyer thinks the whole thing may actually be dropped, but at the very very least down to a reckless. I graduate from school in Dec, so probably taking the NCLEX in Jan or Feb.

So, far I've taken the DUI classes, and am scheduled for an alcohol counseling/evaluation. I'm not aware of a Victim Awareness class though? I haven't drank since and don't plan on it.

Any other tips/advice? I'd really appreciate it.

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Well it's great that you have gotten that stuff done prior to the court dates... I am in FL so the victim awareness class is mandatory for DUI cases as well as the alcohol/DUI classes. Just make sure that you do everything they tell you to do. I would ask your lawyer... he was my guiding light during my legal litigation. Hopefully your case will be thrown out! A mistake does not define who you are, especially as a nurse. I have learned so much from this experience. Good luck to you!

Also.. be HONEST with the boards and make sure you have all documentation... even if it is thrown out they will see the arrest! Honesty is key with them...

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Thanks for the help/advice.

How long did it take your case to get settled?

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Thank you for this post. I live in Florida and I would like to know what should I say in the explanation letter. Should I go in details about what happen? And also the letters of recommendation do you email them to the board?

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