A Potentially Big Problem (for me)

[bones_k]

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I'm not sure how many of you out there have this problem, but any feedback would be really helpful.

I got into trouble my freshman year of college, about 4 years ago, and was charged with a felony for it. I was offered probation and have since completed it, but I know the felony is still accessible in a background check.

Do dental schools ever do background checks before/after accepting you? I have three interviews coming up and none have asked about my record. Also, I assume that there will be a question about criminal history when applying for a license to practice. Does anyone know if the state licensure boards do a background check?

This could really put a kink in my plans. It's funny how badly mistakes from a different walk of life can affect you later on.

 

[oldboy]

whatcha do? i won't tell. I bet you could get away with not saying anything at your interviews. It may essentially be voided after a period of time, kind of like a statute of limitations. My advice, talk to a legal conselor on campus(free) or lawyer(not free) and see if it will eventually be erased from your record. If not, it may come back to haunt you, but really, what is the point of being punished by the law if you can't live a normal life after you served your time.

 

[chordata]

I think some schools use your secondary app fees for background checks.

 

[SuperC]

Make appointment with an Attorney YESTERDAY! You need to talk with a professional right away about your charge. I would see if you can get it expunged or your record sealed.

Just for you....
I called a friend, she is about to graduate from law school. She said that if they don't ask, you are NOT required to tell. However, she did say that they probably will at some point in the application process, if they do, you need to have something prewritten and ready to go, explaining the offence and that you have been rehabilitated (another place a good lawyer will come in handy)

Otherwise, she said you should be OK
-C

 

[oldboy]

this guys got more connections than Karl Rove.

 

[tinman831]

you can bet that this will come up when you apply for your license. however, i believe they review situations like yours on a case by case basis. currently, the state of texas (i assume youre from here judging by your location) does not allow for the expunging of your record so you're out of luck there. if you are dead set on becoming a dentist, don't let this stand in your way. do your best, and if its meant to be, then it'll happen. good luck to you.

 

[syn_apse]

i'm no caveman lawyer, but i think a lot of it depends on what you did (which i doubt you care to share) and what state you want to practice. if i were you, i would except the worst and hope for the best -- in others words, be prepared to go to battle...

google questions: "Is there any possible way that someone convicted of a felony can ever become a doctor (M.D.)?"
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=375621

 

[SuperC]

My law school friend mentioned the licensure thing also.... She said that she was not positive, but I was her understanding that as long as the felony was not something like assault, i.e. a physical act of violence, you are going to be OK.

And even if it is, and you have shown that you have been rehabilitated, you are going to be fine. How you go about showing that you are "fixed" is something the lawyer can tell you.

Lastly, where the real problem is, when you are convicted of a felony when you are licensed.... Bad times.
-C

 

[food4thots]

funny this was discussed at my last meeting w/ my predental group. there are some schools (i remember colorado only, but there are more) that has started doing background checks before they accept their students.

also, this trend will probably spread to other schools later.

 

[1992Corolla]

UW's secondary wants to know if you are a pedophile or a rapist. At least thats what I got from them.

 

[Cookie K.]

Just got a secondary from Iowa and they ask if you've ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. I too have a record from my younger days. My lawyer is working towards my expungements, but in the meantime I'm just going to flat out tell the D schools. If they can look over it great, but if not then I know I have more work to prove myself come next application cycle. At least for iowa they give you a chance to explain the situation. My lawyer has told me that for licensure to pretty much any health field you can't have any felonies and so most people get there case expunged. Like above posts, get a lawyer, now! The legal system takes time to do anything, so sooner the better. If you have any questions just let me know.

 

[egots]

isnt htere any spot on yoru application where they ask if you have commited a crime or felony?

 

[bones_k]

Just got a secondary from Iowa and they ask if you've ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. I too have a record from my younger days. My lawyer is working towards my expungements, but in the meantime I'm just going to flat out tell the D schools. If they can look over it great, but if not then I know I have more work to prove myself come next application cycle. At least for iowa they give you a chance to explain the situation. My lawyer has told me that for licensure to pretty much any health field you can't have any felonies and so most people get there case expunged. Like above posts, get a lawyer, now! The legal system takes time to do anything, so sooner the better. If you have any questions just let me know.

Thanks for the help guys, I guess I really need to get on this and get a lawyer. And pray...