Shoplifting , can I get into nursing school?

Persephone Paige, ADN · Nov 14, 2018

I would look into whether or not this offense is sealed, due to your age. If everyone who was ever caught for shoplifting as a kid was penalized as an adult, half the population would unable to go to college or be unemployed. My personal opinion is that you will be fine. If this wasn't sealed because you were a 'minor,' it should have been. It probably was. Good luck to you!

nikiiii123 · Nov 14, 2018

I dont know if it was sealed.But I never had trouble with background checks in the past. Should i go to the police department or court to check my background to see if it is sealed or not?

Persephone Paige, ADN · Nov 15, 2018

I dont know if it was sealed.But I never had trouble with background checks in the past. Should i go to the police department or court to check my background to see if it is sealed or not?

I would contact the arresting agency ( police or sheriffs office ) in the city or town where you were arrested. When you are an adult and you are arrested, you can go to them and request a copy of the arrest report. This would be in a case where you wish to get the arrest expunged. You could also probably go to the website of the " clerk of the court " for the county you were arrested in. Just type in "Clerk of the court for _____ county." Then you can select 'records search' or 'court records,' a screen will pop up where you can type in your name. If nothing comes up, it's probably a sealed minor record. Do you remember returning for court after you were released to your parents? They may have just been trying to scare you. Let me know what you find... if anything. I'm betting it's gone.

nikiiii123 · Nov 15, 2018

Hi, Thank you for helping me and responding too me. No I never went to court after I was released to my parents. I will go on the website as you said. When I apply to nursing school you don't think something will come up on my background check? You think I will be fine. I am applying soon. For the NCLEX should i say "yes" for when they ask if I was committed a crime?

Persephone Paige, ADN · Nov 16, 2018

First, let me say that I'm not an attorney. Second, if you did not have to plead guilty or not-guilty before a judge, I'm thinking that you were arrested but never charged. Go to the arresting agency during business hours, they have someone up front who handles this stuff for the public. Explain the scenario to them, ask if an arrest record exists? It will help if you can narrow down the month and year this occurred. They should be able to search the data base and instruct you on whether a 'crime' even exists. And then you'll know how to answer the question about whether or not you've committed a crime. You were a minor, it's been my experience that they attempt to keep minors from having to pay for stupid teenaged mistakes for the rest of their lives whenever possible.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2018

If you never went to court/were charged then you were never convicted. Answer no to that question and move on.

nikiiii123 · Nov 21, 2018

Thank you guys, I am just really worried. I also forgot to mention I live in the state of IL.

twinsmom788 · Nov 25, 2018

Thank you guys, I am just really worried. I also forgot to mention I live in the state of IL.

Don't be worried and please carry on with your plans. As I have said many times on this board....there are many other much more serious things in life to worry about. Best wishes in your career choice.