Please help! Misdemeanor charges as a juvenile that were dismissed...

[Angelr3]

An opening just became available at a local hospital that I would really like to apply for but I'm not sure how to answer some of the criminal questions.When I was 17 which was 13 years ago, I was convicted of "possession of tobacco by a minor." I plead guilty and paid the $25 ticket not realizing it was a misdemeanor. Since then the laws have changed and it's now considered an infraction and not a misdemeanor. I assume that I need to disclose this but that it shouldn't be an issue. I don't even smoke cigarettes anymore.Also, when I was 17, I was charged with a misdemeanor possession of marijuana and a misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia at the same time. Since I had never been in trouble before and I was a juvenile, I was able to enter a diversion/arbitration program which included teen court. It was my understanding that this program would effectively erase everything, like it never happened. The case was ended with a "no judgement" which I assume is the same as "adjudication withheld." Do I need to disclose this on my application to the hospital considering that I was a minor at the time? This is in Florida if it makes a difference.Here are the three questions that I have a question about on the application...1. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor (including, but not limited to such offenses as DUI, battery, theft, writing worthless checks, suspended license, etc.)2. Have you ever pled nolo contendere or pled guilty to a crime, which is a felony or a misdemeanor (including, but not limited to such offenses as DUI, battery, theft, writing worthless checks, suspended license, etc.)?3. Have you ever had the adjudication of guilt withheld to a crime, which is a felony or a misdemeanor (including, but not limited to such offenses as DUI, battery, theft, writing worthless checks, suspended license, etc.)?

[NurseRies, BSN, RN]

An opening just became available at a local hospital that I would really like to apply for but I'm not sure how to answer some of the criminal questions.When I was 17 which was 13 years ago I was convicted of "possession of tobacco by a minor." I plead guilty and paid the $25 ticket not realizing it was a misdemeanor. Since then the laws have changed and it's now considered an infraction and not a misdemeanor. I assume that I need to disclose this but that it shouldn't be an issue. I don't even smoke cigarettes anymore.Also, when I was 17, I was charged with a misdemeanor possession of marijuana and a misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia at the same time. Since I had never been in trouble before and I was a juvenile, I was able to enter a diversion/arbitration program which included teen court. It was my understanding that this program would effectively erase everything, like it never happened. The case was ended with a "no judgement" which I assume is the same as "adjudication withheld." Do I need to disclose this on my application to the hospital considering that I was a minor at the time? This is in Florida if it makes a difference.Here are the three questions that I have a question about on the application...1. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor (including, but not limited to such offenses as DUI, battery, theft, writing worthless checks, suspended license, etc.)2. Have you ever pled nolo contendere or pled guilty to a crime, which is a felony or a misdemeanor (including, but not limited to such offenses as DUI, battery, theft, writing worthless checks, suspended license, etc.)?3. Have you ever had the adjudication of guilt withheld to a crime, which is a felony or a misdemeanor (including, but not limited to such offenses as DUI, battery, theft, writing worthless checks, suspended license, etc.)?[/quote']

I would type out a very brief, to the point, letter that explained your charges, situation, and your age. State what you did to improve yourself after and that you have had no problems in 13 years since. Be honest. Most places are going to overlook something like that especially as a minor. I know because I had underage possession of alcohol charges and it has never been a problem for me. This is also a misdemeanor. I always disclose the info and I have a letter that I attach with the explanation of details. And this was only 7 years ago for me. They should respect your honesty!