Success with CA BRN

I was just approved to take the NCLEX from the CA BRN. I had a criminal history about 8 years ago which I will not go into details about but it was a felony. I'm writing this because I want to give future nurses hope. Being approved by the CA BRN IS POSSIBLE and is actually pretty fast. The total time for me to be approved was 5 weeks. (Keep in mind this will vary among applicants). My advice to anyone with a felony or misdemeanor is to get it reduced and dismissed. Be upfront with the BRN about your actions and take full responsibility. My letter to the CA BRN was 2 n half pages single spaced explaining in detail what happened and how I have better myself since. The letter is your chance to show your full rehabilitation. Next, make sure to send in all the documentation that is asked of you on the CA BRN website. This will help the process go quicker. Next, be upfront with your dean of nursing even if your record was expunged or whatever. This will allow the dean to write you a letter of character which is very important. I believe if the BRN sees that the dean is aware of your criminal history, it shows your honesty and integrity. Lastly, show documentation of any community service or volunteering. I even sent in my resume because it shows all the achievements that I have accomplished since my conviction. Anyways, good luck to anyone who is going through this kind of madness!