Just got a DUI and about to graduate in May...

[Donald208]

I made the most stupid decision to drive after drinking 3 drinks and not eating any food.. I thought I was good and allowed enough time to pass, but the breathalyzer said otherwise. I scored a .10 and the limit here is .08. I was arrested for a DUI less than 1000 feet from my house. I shouldn't have been driving and I made one of the worst decisions of my life. I regret it so so much.

I honestly don't know what to do about my future. I just hired a lawyer and he said I can get a withheld judgement because it's my first offense but that will take up to a year of probation before it's all said and done. I graduate in May, I still have to apply for the board of nursing to take the NCLEX in the summer, aaaand I have a job interview this Friday for an RN position at the biggest hospital in the valley.

Should I even go to the interview? I'm 99% pretty sure I'll get denied the job with a pending DUI charge.

What do I tell the board of nursing when I apply?? They tell you to disclose all information about your criminal background, even withheld judgements. The thing here is, I've already had a previous withheld judgement 7 years ago in Oregon, a different state, for a Felony Possession of Marijuana. That case was dismissed and the arrest record has been sealed by the courts and it has never showed up on any background checks, even the state background checks I've done. Should I disclose that info, or only disclose the pending DUI?? What else should I do when I apply, what can make my case better for the BON? Is my career already over..?

I'm so damn scared that I can't pursue my passion, this is my life and all I've wanted, I really don't know what else I can do.

[AloeBlox]

I would go with everything and see what the board says

[illinoisbound, BSN]

Hey Donald, take a deep breath. Without giving legal advice, I can tell you that I spoke with a lawyer regarding my DUI/RD and she gave me a lot of verbiage to put in my letter of explanation. There are sites online that will do the same. I had to send in the letter, all relevant court documents, and I even sent in things like my honor society certificate and that I had graduated with honors. Some other people send in letters of rec/character from professionals or different community members.

Something I had in mind, but didn't need to employ (I got licensed without issue) was to get a nurse attorney in case you get called in front of the board. Everything I've seen in these kinds of situations is do not go alone, the board is not your friend, etc.

I wish you good luck. Take it one step at a time.