Criminal Record Question

[Jlaw]

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I am a non traditional student currently taking my pre reqs in a post bacc program.

10 years ago I was stupid and got arrested and charged with DWI and two counts of posession of alcohol by a minor. I was 19 at the time. I blew a .014 and since I wasn't deemed dangerously intoxicated I was allowed to perform community service, pay a fine and attend alcohol education classes. I also lost my license. After all the requirements were complete the court dropped the charge of DWI from my record. The posession of alcohol by a minor and the failed breath test are both still on my record (I got a copy of a Lexis/Nexis background check that I had done for a job).

I am very lucky that the DWI isn't on there and that I wouldn't have to disclose it since it was dropped, but I'm not sure what I would say if they asked me about the other charges. Both were infractions, not sure if they count as a misdemeanor or not.

What are the ramifications of this in terms of applying to medical school and in getting residencies, jobs, etc afterwards. It has been 10 years so would it be worth speaking to a lawyer to see if I can have my record expunged prior to applying? I have about a year and a half before I will be getting into the application process. Anyone had a similar situation?

 

[Noeljan]

you are better off contacting a lawyer since SDN will (usually) give you various OPINIONS on what people think should or should not happen (unless someone on here is a lawyer and can offer more definite advice).

 

[Taurus]

See this thread.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=673656

 

[Jlaw]

Cool I'll speak to a lawyer, I'm sure they have had the same questions before.

That really sucks for the person in thaqt other thread. I don't think my situation is anything compared to that, one drink over the limit and having an unopened beer in the trunk was stupid but If I get into med school and make it to residency it will be like 17 years+ in the past so hopefully if I'm honest they will chalk it up to youthful indiscretion.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Downbytheicu]

I am a non traditional student currently taking my pre reqs in a post bacc program.

10 years ago I was stupid and got arrested and charged with DWI and two counts of posession of alcohol by a minor. I was 19 at the time. I blew a .014 and since I wasn't deemed dangerously intoxicated I was allowed to perform community service, pay a fine and attend alcohol education classes. I also lost my license. After all the requirements were complete the court dropped the charge of DWI from my record. The posession of alcohol by a minor and the failed breath test are both still on my record (I got a copy of a Lexis/Nexis background check that I had done for a job).

I am very lucky that the DWI isn't on there and that I wouldn't have to disclose it since it was dropped, but I'm not sure what I would say if they asked me about the other charges. Both were infractions, not sure if they count as a misdemeanor or not.

What are the ramifications of this in terms of applying to medical school and in getting residencies, jobs, etc afterwards. It has been 10 years so would it be worth speaking to a lawyer to see if I can have my record expunged prior to applying? I have about a year and a half before I will be getting into the application process. Anyone had a similar situation?

Just pay attention to the wording of any question asked. I've seen many questions where they ask if you've been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. In that sense you have, but all you have to do is explain and it'll most likely be ok if there are no other offenses and they believe you are truly repentant. If, however, you don't report it when asked a question like that, and it ever comes to light, then it will call professionalism and ethics into question and you could face pretty severe consequences.

I know people who have gotten into med school with offenses like that on their record. They were isolated events, often when they were college freshmen or younger, and the people had truly grown and were repentant.

Have hope. 🙂

 

[chman]

See this thread.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=673656

Conspiring to launder money and a DWI are much different. One is a felony and one is not.


Anyways.

-Consult a lawyer, it is well worth it.

-Do a background check on yourself.

-Get it expunged.

-Contact the schools you wish to apply.

-Don't lie, don't lie, and oh yea, don't lie. Pay close attention to how questions are worded.

-Don't pay attention to people on SDN or any other internet forum for something this important.

I have done a lot of research on this because I did some stupid things when I was young (misdemeanors). PM me if you have more questions. I have also written some lengthy responses to this in the past if you want to check out the search function.

EDIT: You can also contact the state board as far as licensing goes, but it is hard to get a strait answer. They are likely to forgive a youthful mistake though. They are more interested in crimes against vulnerable people and children, or medical related crimes and crimes of dishonestly.

EDIT#2: Most hospital's cannot hold misdemeanors that are over seven years old against you as far as hiring goes. I am pretty sure you can get them off your record though.