I'm 22, and have been arrested twice for shoplifting. The first time, I was with a friend, and didn't take anything, but since we were together, they charged both of us. I live in SC, and we have a program here called PTI which qualifies someone for expungement from certain crimes. I completed said program, and got my record expunged, even though I was never convicted, just arrested. (If you take PTI, you won't get convicted, you don't even plead guilty or not guilty.) The second time, I was just plain being an idiot. I took a $6 item from a store, thinking that you had to take at least $25 to be arrested....not that that makes it any less stupid/better. The first time was 4 years ago, the second time was 2 years ago. After 3 years, you can get a charge expunged if you have no prior charges. Since I have no prior charges thanks to PTI, I will get this expunged in one year. I don't think I will have too much of a problem getting into school, as long as the agency let's me do clinicals. By this time, I should have the second thing expunged, too. They'll be doing a SLED background check...will they be able to see my expungements? As for getting licensure, I've heard if you even have any arrests you will have to appear before the board. Should I get a lawyer to do this for me? I've seen on some boards it is very foolish to represent yourself. I know that the nursing board can see expungements, but will hospitals/potential employers? If not, should I say I've never been arrested on applications?
I am in a similar situation. I attend nursing school in SC. I have history of an expunged record from a dismissed charge. I emailed the BON for SC this:
Good morning,
This email is concerning an expunged record related to a dismissed case where there was no conviction, and how it it effects an applicants opportunity to take boards and receive liscensing. Does a dismissed, expunged case still need to be presented to the board with court certified documents and if so, what specifically is needed?
Thank you for your time.
Their response was:
We have checked with our legal department and it has been relayed that there is not a need to disclose an expunged criminal matter.
I´m seeing all these post about having to disclose expungements to the board, however I was directly told something different.
Update! I finished nursing school, and have my ATT! I wish I had known I didn't need to disclose expunged matters because I did anyway haha. But either way everything has been accepted except for my Nclex since I won't be taking it until March.
For other's benefit.....motivatedlilly and I chatted via PM, but so others can know my answer...
Yes, I have 3 misdemeanors. I have had NO trouble getting a job. I was first hired by an LTC facility then by a hospital and had an offer at another LTC. I disclosed my criminal background to both the FL BON and the SC BON and got my license and my license by endorsement.
All potential employers have asked for FELONY convictions, so I did not disclose my misdemeanors because that was not the question asked.
No potential employer has had an issue with my background checks.
I know this is an old post but FLmomof5 can you please message me and talk with me about this because it won't allow me to private message yet!
nurseSC1993
1 Post
I am in a similar situation. I attend nursing school in SC. I have history of an expunged record from a dismissed charge. I emailed the BON for SC this:
Good morning,
This email is concerning an expunged record related to a dismissed case where there was no conviction, and how it it effects an applicants opportunity to take boards and receive liscensing. Does a dismissed, expunged case still need to be presented to the board with court certified documents and if so, what specifically is needed?
Thank you for your time.
Their response was:
We have checked with our legal department and it has been relayed that there is not a need to disclose an expunged criminal matter.
I´m seeing all these post about having to disclose expungements to the board, however I was directly told something different.