new grad with a dui history in new jersey

[NJ2013]

This is my first post even thought i have been this boards since starting nursing school 2 years ago, great people and great information..

I have research in here but have not come with a precise answer, this is my story. had a DUI 5 years ago, i was not arrested, just detained, no fingerprints, nothing like that.. all fines were paid, attended all classes, and all resolved. I called the BON twice, i was told that if they didn't fingerprint you, i don't have to include anything, and that i don't even have to check "yes" on the application about the DUI . does this sound correct?

I would like to get a little more input preferably from somebody from new jersey who had similar circumstances.

thank you

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm not familiar with how the NJ BON rolls so I can't tell you if what they told you is correct or not. However, I do know that you don't need to be arrested, fingerprinted or detained to end up with a criminal conviction. That's how traffic tickets work: the ticket itself is essetially an arrest with a release on your own recognizance; when you pay a ticket fine, it's essentially a guilty plea without a trial and you now have a conviction on your record. Whether it's felony, misdemeanor, or infraction, I don't know. For that, check with the NJ DMV.

This is the point where I tell you that we can't provide legal advice at AN, and when it comes to your application, that I would consider talking to a lawyer versed in nursing legal issues and who preferably has experience with NJ's BON (you can find one in your area through TAANA Executive Office - Home). Most offer a free consultation. And even if they don't, the cost of the lawyer is a lot less than the money lost should the BON do a 180 and say, "oh, you should have told us about this, no license for you."

I would also definitely do is document that correspondence with the BON (i.e., date/time you called, full name of who you spoke to and exactly hat he/she said), so if there's ever an issue in the future at least you can prove that you were provided this information and by whom.

Best of luck.

[NJ2013]

this is an update to anybody who's going through the same thing.

step 1

In the NJ application, you should mark yes where it says DUI..

step 2

you must get a copy of the police report and a certified copy of the disposition letter for your case.

step 3

Write a letter about the incident, how it affected you, and how the incident changed your life.

step 4

Hand deliver all the documents including application, along with the rest of the boards requirements.

at this point, the Board will take your application, fingerprints and ATT will be provided. schedule your nclex, and you will get your license within 4 weeks after taking your exam.

It took about 8 weeks from the beginning to the end for them to process my license.. there were no restrictions, and no problems whatsoever..

good luck