Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

[Aje333]

Hello all,

In 2005 I was convicted of a felony and in 2007 a misdemeanor. Since then I have turned a new leaf and decided to pursue a career in the medical field.

Last year I went through a lawyer to ask the judge to lower the felony from 2005 to a misdemeanor. This motion was successful, the felony was lowered to a misdemeanor, expunged and finally dismissed. I went ahead and asked my lawyer to to expunge the misdemeanor from 2007 this motion was successful as well.

As an aspiring nurse I am applying to several hospitals for an externship and am curious to know what you might think about the question "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" I've talked this over with my lawyer and he says technically I am allowed to check "No" since the felony was lowered and the misdemeanors were expunged. Regardless of what he says, I still feel somewhat unsure about checking "no" when in the past I have. I am afraid the hiring manager might question my credibility and I may appear as dishonest.

My lawyer says another option is to check "no" and explain that the felony was dismissed however wouldn't that be the same as checking "yes" and explaining? What do you think I should do?

Thank you in advance for your responses it is truly appreciated. =)

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I can give you my opinion, but that may or not be correct.

Ask the BON that question. Create a disposable email account if you wish to remain anonymous

Or contact an attorney familiar with the ways of your board

[ICDATTJCWSM]

Definitely check YES. Just like you said either way you will have to explain and it is best to tell the truth. Since you were convicted the answer is YES. With the expungement, it is most likely that you will have no problems other than explaining. Best of luck to you!

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

In my younger years I'd have checked yes and probably lost job opportunities.

Older, wiser, and more experienced, I'd check no.

[DaniannaRN, ASN, BSN]

I have a record that has been expunged. I check off "no" on job applications and there is nothing in my record to indicate I've been convicted of anything. This only applies to civilian jobs, I can't apply to any federal government jobs. They can see expunged charges. Hope this helps!

BTW, if your lawyer said to check "no", listen to him. That's the same thing my attorney said when I was wanting to become a nurse.

[PaperButterfly]

Sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest thing to do. I think it's clear from reading this board that honesty is always the best policy with the BON.