NJ BON Arrests but no criminal convictions

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So I've decided I want to be a nurse after an attempted career in law enforcement, I graduated a police academy here in NJ. I am wondering if I will have any problems given my background or if anyone has any insight as far as clinical approval and licensing.

When I was 15 I was arrested with a tiny bit of marijuana however charges were dismissed. I received a municipal ordinance for under age drinking just shy of 21. And I was arrested for having a bb gun on school grounds on christmas. However I worked at the school as security, it was christmas night and i received it as a gift and was taking my dog there for a walk late at night, not near any buildings or dorms. The charge was reduced from a felony firearms charge to a municipal ordinance. I can have all these things expunged, however if I do will they still be viewable by the NJ BON? Will they give me a hard time? Is there a specialized lawyer I can consult on the matter?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Expunged charges are still visible to the court and agencies charged to protect the public such as boards of nursing. How they can consider expunged charges and convictions varies. Convictions obviously admire different than charges that were dropped or reduced. A charge due to harming others such as if you struck a bystander while recklessly shooting off your BB gun, stole credit cards from your disabled elderly neighbor or a valid listing on the sex offender conviction registry will obviously be looked at differently than incidents that did not harm others. Certain convictions will bar you from licensing and working as a nurse such as homicide, murder, etc.

Did any of these issues come up when you applied to the police academy? I would think the responsibility for public safety would be similar to the BoN.

You can seek a referral for a consultation from an experienced nurse attorney (likely a consultation fee but would be worthwhile in my opinion to be proactive. Better to fix now than answer questions later.)

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys has a lawyer referral service: TAANA Executive Office - Home

Good luck and kudos for being proactive.

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Yes I keep hearing different answers as far as revealing expungements. Yes I revealed everything for the police academy since in that field you have no choice. I just don't want to pursue a nursing career if I'm going to either be denied by the board, or by a future employer.

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Also I want it to be known I was during the incident and still am a licensed firearm owner. The clause was that I was on school ground if I wasn't I would have never even been arrested. I was unaware of the laws in regards to BB guns. However it now makes me look like a thug which I am not. I just worry that combined with my juvenile discrepancies it makes me look like a repeat offender or shows a pattern. I have a masters degree, multiple certifications, volunteer help etc under my belt, I also rarely drink and never use anything other than prescribed drugs. Thank you for your response by the way it's greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Special Education (children/adults).

[COLOR=#000000]There should be a list of charges that you can/can't have in order to get your nursing license. Call your school to see if they have a list. Also keep in mind that even if it isn't on the list it NEVER guarantees you approval from the BON. Below is some information I came across that helps with some information you are asking. I am from PA and had two charges from 10 years ago. The application (authorization to test for NCLEX) ask's about any prior convictions. If you submit that with a "yes" they might require you to just send a letter of what happened and any rehabilitation you had, background check, etc. It was scary going through nursing school, acquiring all these student loans with knowing I have a chance that I couldn't even become a licensed LPN because of these charges. Luckily, I had nothing to worry about. I feel you don't either but it is always case by case with the BON (usually anyway). Hope the info below helps.

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[COLOR=#000000]Both the school and the state/BON conduct background searches. The state/BON search uses the Department of Justice and FBI databases. It goes far deeper than the school search and reveals all court records, expunged, sealed, adjudicated, or dismissed cases. [/COLOR]

Everything is discoverable

You MUST follow the application instructions and report everything they tell you to report, whether you believe the information is hidden” or not.

There are exceptions to reporting, but they will be clearly listed on the application. For example, in California you do not have to report marijuana-related offenses or minor traffic violations.

Case by Case

Most states/BONs handle each case individually.

The state/BON looks for remorse and insight on your part. Did you comply with your community service and everything the court ordered? Have you demonstrated rehabilitation? Do you have insight into what caused you to engage in fighting and what you've learned?

  • Gather all documents surrounding the event. All certified arrest and court records
  • Obtain letters of reference to show how you've changed
  • Compose a letter of the sequence of events in your own words (no excuses, just facts, can include personal contributing factors/situation)

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