Is There Any Chance of Licensure?

[Said]

So here's the deal, when I was 15 (4 years ago) I was arrested for "lewdness" I urinated in the bushes in the parking lot near a ballpark after the game because there was honestly no where else to go (I was definitely not the first, or last, person to do so that night) a cop saw me doing so and gave me a stern talking to and gave me a ticket to appear in court. I pled guilty as my public defender "advised" me to do. I am 1 month away from graduating my CNA program and have really enjoyed working as a CNA and after two months of externship I can't imagine wanting to do anything else (later I would like to become a nurse). After reading this section though it seems like any chance of becoming a nurse.

I was thinking since I was never actually fingerprinted by the police/sheriffs department I would just say no and hope for the best, but I was fingerprinted by the army before I was denied on medical evaluation. I was wondering if I should say no and hope for the best or hire an attorney and hope he/she can get me licensed or should I just give up all together and save the money I have left?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm not a lawyer, but I think that even if you weren't fingerprinted by the police you were still convicted of an offense. Whether it is considered a misdemeanor or infraction, I don't know. For that, you should consult with an attorney.

As far as what to say on the applications, IMO, I would err on the side of honesty because if you said "no" to the conviction question and they eventually found out, you could be terminated...probably not so much because of the offense you committed, but the fact that you gave false information. But again, seek legal advice on how to answer those questions.

BONs deal with applications with a criminal history on a case-by-case basis, so you can't predict your success or failure by other posters' experiences. I definitely recommend, if possible, that you have an attorney when dealing with a BON. The BON's interest are the public first and foremost; the nurse's interests come second if at all. You need someone there on your side putting your interests first.

Best of luck!