Juvenile record from 19 years ago

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I am currently a nursing student in Missouri, about to apply to the state board to take the NCLEX-RN. 19 years ago I got into trouble (as a 13 year-old) in Wisconsin for an act of vandalism that caused damage beyond what I intended. I don't remember the legal language the juvenile court used at the time, but I believe they called it "delinquency" rather than a "conviction." I'm not even sure if there's a difference in the eyes of the BON - maybe there isn't.

I am certain that the courts/police/social worker told me that if I never got in trouble again before I was 18, it would be completely wiped from my record. Our lawyer told my parents & me that I could then (as an adult) truthfully answer "no" to questions on job applications asking whether I had ever been convicted of a crime, etc. I never got in trouble with the law after this incident - neither as a juvenile nor as an adult. Our nursing school did an extensive background check when I applied for school and my juvenile incident was never brouht up. I've also had several other jobs that required background checks and it was never brought up.

My question is, will the Missouri BON suddenly find this expunged juvenile record and discipline me if I answer "no" on the BON application as our family lawyer suggested I could do? My school just sent everyone in my class a letter telling us that the BON will find juvenile records even if they are "closed" (not sure what "closed" means), and that we should get copies of all our court records and then make a personal written explanation and get it notarized for the BON. I'm not even sure if any court records exist anymore for my expunged juvenile record. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks!

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I would search for a court record in the system. Since it would be associated with your name, you would have access to that information, if it exists.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You really need to consult an administrative lawyer prior to applying for NCLEX. This is too close to legal advice for us to answer. The only thing we can say is to never, ever lie.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
will the Missouri BON suddenly find this expunged juvenile record and discipline me if I answer "no" on the BON application as our family lawyer suggested I could do? My school just sent everyone in my class a letter telling us that the BON will find juvenile records even if they are "closed"

This is the part we cannot answer.

You need to contact your BON and/or seek legal advice.

Good luck.

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