I decided to post this just in case anyone else had the same situation I do. Hopefully this will alert others of the possible hassle trying to get a disposition letter on any old court case (you might want to start trying to get it months in advance BEFORE you actually need it, especially if you are now in another city from where the incident occured).
I got a DUI 26 years ago at the age of 18 in Savannah, Georgia. I currently live in another city in Georgia now. When I finished my LPN program and filled out my state board application recently, I was honest and divulged this information. I enclosed a letter with my application stating that this was a youthful transgression and the ONLY time I have ever had any type of legal issue in my life. I then began trying to get in contact with the court system in Savannah, as I was told by a representative of the Georgia BON that a disposition letter would possibly be required in order to finish my application.
I have been given one run around after another. First I was told they didn't keep records that far back so I requested could I be sent a letter to that effect. I then received a letter stating that after some research they did indeed find my old case. I was given date and time case was handled, docket number, and the telephone number to call in order to get a copy of this file. I call and was instructed to mail a letter requesting a copy of disposition, which I did the same day. The representative advised me it would take 5-7 business days. After three weeks and no disposition letter, I began calling again. I was either told the representative that handled this was not in the office or I got her voice mail, which I left messages on to no avail. Finally this morning I guess the woman who answered could hear the frustration in my voice and she finally got me back to lady I had spoken with that had instructed me to mail a request for disposition. I mean at this point I wasn't even sure they had even RECEIVED my request:( I am put on hold and after several minutes she comes back and tells me that records this old are not kept on site and that she had requested mine and soon as it was received she would send me a letter of disposition. She could not tell me how long it would be. So unfortunately I guess I just sit here waiting and waiting.
Frankly I almost wish that I hadn't even divulged the information to begin with. I was trying to be honest and sadly this is what happens when you do. I have had several friends and even my husband tell me I should have just kept it under my hat, but I didn't want a foolish decision I made as a teenager come back to bite me in the nether regions.
Sorry for this long post. I suppose I needed to vent and I also wanted to warn upcoming students that if you do have anything you wish to reveal you might want to begin trying to get any type of disposition you may need BEFORE graduation!
