DUI Complications

[raptorcage]

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Hello... I was referred here for some help so here it goes...

I guess I'll just start off- 5 years ago in NY when I was 24 I received a DWAI, which is considered a traffic infraction, not a misdemeanor. I pulled into the turning lane for my apartment complex too early by some hundred feet and was pulled over, complied with orders, blew a .052 (.05-.08 with traffic infraction is apparently the law- I am not native NY), he gave me my ticket, I drove to my apartment.

2 yrs ago, when I was 28, I was pulled over for an actual DUI in my home state. My tail light was out, I admitted to drinking, passed field sobriety etc. I complied with orders except chemical testiting, because my state doesn't mandate forced testing. It was stupid, among everything that night, and I was scared. I thought passing the field test was enough, and it was absolutely poor judgment to get into a car in the first place if there was even a doubt I might be over .08.

When I went to court for the charge of DUI- 1st offense, she raised it based on the NY traffic offense to 2nd offense. My attorney fought and lost the change. Now on my background check, it just shows DUI-2nd offense and nothing else.

During the process, I went to 3 months of treatment on my own accord (my home state only mandates a weekend of classes). I have been sober since the DUI, not because I am an alcoholic (the treatment center did not give me that diagnosis) but because I have an aversion to the event and the damage it has caused and what could have happened to others. That's not something I want in my life if it stands in the way of my goals.

So the big questions are- with my background check showing only one DUI- 2nd offense, how is that viewed? Will my cross state explanation in AACOMAS make adcoms still consider me? If not, besides time, it will almost be 3 years and I still have a license in a healthcare field- it was never revoked as I am not seen as a risk and sought treatment and ongoing care to prove so- what else can I do? I have been working for years to make the switch to medicine and my application is ready, except for this lingering question.

 

[Moose A Moose]

It's a bummer, but you're going to have to list it. Make sure you thoroughly explain what happened (perhaps even in your main essay regarding a life event you had to overcome). If he rest of your application is where it should be, you should still get some bites. I know how something like this can bring on the stress, but you gotta keep on pushin. Good luck.

 

[raptorcage]

Thank you for responding. I'm definitely going to list it, I never considered not doing so. I fully understand and still hold appropriate shame and guilt about it. It was no ones fault but my own. I know that multiple DUIs are a major red flag, it's just that I technically only have the one. I'm worried I'll be auto trashed- which I'm sure I will be at most schools- but as you said- hopefully I will get a few bites. It's definitely been stressful over the years, in the back of my mind, but I've kept moving forward because I know I can't let my past mistakes define me. If everyone did that, no one would be successful. Thanks again for the kind words.

 

[Goro]

Two DUI offences, one being recent, shows us that you didn't learn your lessons. Drunks like you kill families like mine. You're DOA at my school.

Hello... I was referred here for some help so here it goes...

I guess I'll just start off- 5 years ago in NY when I was 24 I received a DWAI, which is considered a traffic infraction, not a misdemeanor. I pulled into the turning lane for my apartment complex too early by some hundred feet and was pulled over, complied with orders, blew a .052 (.05-.08 with traffic infraction is apparently the law- I am not native NY), he gave me my ticket, I drove to my apartment.

2 yrs ago, when I was 28, I was pulled over for an actual DUI in my home state. My tail light was out, I admitted to drinking, passed field sobriety etc. I complied with orders except chemical testiting, because my state doesn't mandate forced testing. It was stupid, among everything that night, and I was scared. I thought passing the field test was enough, and it was absolutely poor judgment to get into a car in the first place if there was even a doubt I might be over .08.

When I went to court for the charge of DUI- 1st offense, she raised it based on the NY traffic offense to 2nd offense. My attorney fought and lost the change. Now on my background check, it just shows DUI-2nd offense and nothing else.

During the process, I went to 3 months of treatment on my own accord (my home state only mandates a weekend of classes). I have been sober since the DUI, not because I am an alcoholic (the treatment center did not give me that diagnosis) but because I have an aversion to the event and the damage it has caused and what could have happened to others. That's not something I want in my life if it stands in the way of my goals.

So the big questions are- with my background check showing only one DUI- 2nd offense, how is that viewed? Will my cross state explanation in AACOMAS make adcoms still consider me? If not, besides time, it will almost be 3 years and I still have a license in a healthcare field- it was never revoked as I am not seen as a risk and sought treatment and ongoing care to prove so- what else can I do? I have been working for years to make the switch to medicine and my application is ready, except for this lingering question.

 

[deleted480308]

Two DUI offences, one being recent, shows us that you didn't learn your lessons. Drunks like you kill families like mine. You're DOA at my school.

A second DUI at 26 means you didn't learn your lesson after your first DUI......that will kill your app with a lot of people

More importantly than your app...you are making a good decision to stay sober. Stick with it, for everyone's well being

 

[Bones 2020]

It was 3 years between the first and second offenses. It has been 2 years since the second offense as of now. It might take longer than 2 years to show that you actually did learn your lesson. Just my thoughts.

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

When Goro tells you.....

Drunks like you kill families like mine. You're DOA at my school.

....

 

[raptorcage]

Two DUI offences, one being recent, shows us that you didn't learn your lessons. Drunks like you kill families like mine. You're DOA at my school.

I appreciate your candor and understand your anger. I have done work with MADD over the years and I know your feelings are shared by many. When I was in treatment, I attended mandatory meetings with impaired healthcare professionals, doctors included. My DUI will be coming up on almost 3 yrs (It still seems fresh in my mind). Despite the Proactive work I already do, is there a time frame that can demonstrate maturity and the regret I feel every time I think about it?

 

[deleted480308]

I appreciate your candor and understand your anger. I have done work with MADD over the years and I know your feelings are shared by many. When I was in treatment, I attended mandatory meetings with impaired healthcare professionals, doctors included. My DUI will be coming up on almost 3 yrs (It still seems fresh in my mind). Despite the Proactive work I already do, is there a time frame that can demonstrate maturity and the regret I feel every time I think about it?

you will always be less desirable than a candidate who isn't a drunk driver twice convicted.....only time will tell if that's a deficit you can overcome

 

[raptorcage]

I honestly never considered the NY traffic infraction since I drove home. I was only convicted once, but I do understand that makes me a lesser candidate. Thank you for your input.

For clarification, not justification, only one conviction exists in my home state

 

[FutureDrB]

I appreciate your candor and understand your anger. I have done work with MADD over the years and I know your feelings are shared by many. When I was in treatment, I attended mandatory meetings with impaired healthcare professionals, doctors included. My DUI will be coming up on almost 3 yrs (It still seems fresh in my mind). Despite the Proactive work I already do, is there a time frame that can demonstrate maturity and the regret I feel every time I think about it?

As an applicant with a criminal record, I can offer some input as to your question above... My infraction (not a DUI) will have occurred almost 20 years ago when I apply. I'm hoping that is enough time to be "overlooked", taking into consideration what I've accomplished since then.

On an even more personal note, some people on SDN know about my wife being killed by a drunk driver... So, thanks for your work with MADD. Actually, this weekend here in Dallas is the Compassionate Friends national conference. If you're really interested in getting involved with that sort of stuff, you might see if there is a chapter in your area.

Lastly, if you ever get licensed, then you can get all of the DUI's you want. Of course that was a joke. But I say that because I personally know a doctor who just dealt with his 3rd DUI (among other arrests)....still has his license. So ironically, it seems that it's just about impossible to get licensed with any kind of background, but once you get licensed, it seems like it's just about impossible to lose it.

 

[raptorcage]

As an applicant with a criminal record, I can offer some input as to your question above... My infraction (not a DUI) will have occurred almost 20 years ago when I apply. I'm hoping that is enough time to be "overlooked", taking into consideration what I've accomplished since then.

On an even more personal note, some people on SDN know about my wife being killed by a drunk driver... So, thanks for your work with MADD.

Lastly, if you ever get licensed, then you can get all of the DUI's you want. Of course that was a joke. But I say that because I personally know a doctor who just dealt with his 3rd DUI (among other arrests)....still has his license. So ironically, it seems that it's just about impossible to get licensed with any kind of background, but once you get licensed, it seems like it's just about impossible to lose it.

I'm sorry to hear of your wife and the selfish, stupid decisions people like me play in that life altering change. That's why I work with MADD- you don't have to thank me.

I would hope 20 years would be enough, but I do not know your situation. I do believe in doing the next right thing and hoping that it truly will work out.

I agree- licenses, once you have them, are hard to lose. I know a doctor personally who lost his anesthesia residency and was put into the monitoring program, but still has his license. Yeah I've heard a few stories... But at any rate I'm just staying sober and keeping focused on my goals. I still feel the guilt and shame daily but I get up and do me and what I need to do. I never expected love on this board so I was prepared.

Thank you for reaching out

 

[Goro]

At least in my state, the Medical Board take a dim view of DUI. A good friend of mine who is an MD told me that after one infraction, he got called onto the carpet by the Board, and hasn't had a drink since.



Lastly, if you ever get licensed, then you can get all of the DUI's you want. Of course that was a joke. But I say that because I personally know a doctor who just dealt with his 3rd DUI (among other arrests)....still has his license. So ironically, it seems that it's just about impossible to get licensed with any kind of background, but once you get licensed, it seems like it's just about impossible to lose it.[/QUOTE]

 

[Stephanopolous]

So the big questions are- with my background check showing only one DUI- 2nd offense, how is that viewed? Will my cross state explanation in AACOMAS make adcoms still consider me? If not, besides time, it will almost be 3 years and I still have a license in a healthcare field- it was never revoked as I am not seen as a risk and sought treatment and ongoing care to prove so- what else can I do? I have been working for years to make the switch to medicine and my application is ready, except for this lingering question.

I think it will be viewed poorly. If a judge felt the need for it to be listed as a second offense, that holds a lot of weight.

I don't think the cross state explanation will help, because in both situations you demonstrated poor decision making. Admissions com's have a big responsibility- to select people who will go on to hold others lives and well being in their hands. It is on them to do the best job possible in selecting the best candidates.

As far as what more you can do? If this is your dream then continue to pursue it, because if you give up you will always hold that in your heart as what if. I would start working on a feasible plan B now, and have realistic expectations about your chances of acceptance.

 

[FutureDrB]

At least in my state, the Medical Board take a dim view of DUI. A good friend of mine who is an MD told me that after one infraction, he got called onto the carpet by the Board, and hasn't had a drink since.

Makes sense.
This acquaintance of mine shouldn't have his license anymore and if I were to bet, he will eventually lose it.
It just baffles me that people work so hard to get somewhere in life and then risk throwing it all away, but I suppose addiction can be one hell of a foe.

 

[raptorcage]

I think it will be viewed poorly. If a judge felt the need for it to be listed as a second offense, that holds a lot of weight.

I don't think the cross state explanation will help, because in both situations you demonstrated poor decision making. Admissions com's have a big responsibility- to select people who will go on to hold others lives and well being in their hands. It is on them to do the best job possible in selecting the best candidates.

As far as what more you can do? If this is your dream then continue to pursue it, because if you give up you will always hold that in your heart as what if. I would start working on a feasible plan B now, and have realistic expectations about your chances of acceptance.

Thank you for responding. I do not view a .052 as a poor decision. When I reported this instance to the board they told me it was traffic and insignificant. Thus, I assumed it as such. Obviously zero BAC is the only sure way, but many of your future colleagues will leave happy hour at this BAC. The second was beyond poor decision making, and I own that.

 

[Stephanopolous]

Thank you for responding. I do not view a .052 as a poor decision. When I reported this instance to the board they told me it was traffic and insignificant. Thus, I assumed it as such. Obviously zero BAC is the only sure way, but many of your future colleagues will leave happy hour at this BAC. The second was beyond poor decision making, and I own that.

You're welcome. I hear your point of view, mine comes from working as a paramedic and being on scene when people crash and kill themselves/others.

 

[deleted480308]

Thank you for responding. I do not view a .052 as a poor decision. When I reported this instance to the board they told me it was traffic and insignificant. Thus, I assumed it as such. Obviously zero BAC is the only sure way, but many of your future colleagues will leave happy hour at this BAC. The second was beyond poor decision making, and I own that.

See, now I hope you don't make it in. I wanted to root for you but you won me over to the other side. You haven't learned...

 

[raptorcage]

See, now I hope you don't make it in. I wanted to root for you but you won me over to the other side. You haven't learned...

I was pointing out something I learned in my alcohol classes, that many people will leave a work function or happy hour at this BAC and not feel impaired, although, like I was, they actually are, despite being under the legal limit. I meant to say *did not, but was typing quickly as I began to get defensive by the judge comment.

At any rate, I appreciate and understand all sides of comments. I have only listed my errs on here, but not listed the things I have done begin to try make up for them- not mandated by a judge, not for med school- but for me. So I understand the animosity, and I'm at peace with that. Whether or not you believe I changed is neither here nor there. I just hope one day you don't wake up everyday for something you can seem to forgive yourself for because you went against all your morals and judgements. It not only impacted me but everyone around me, most of all my family. So I stay sober for myself first and my family second. Med school is last.

 

[raptorcage]

You're welcome. I hear your point of view, mine comes from working as a paramedic and being on scene when people crash and kill themselves/others.

That must be hard to be a paramedic and see that. I completely understand where you're coming from. Please also understand that I was not condoning driving after any amount of drinking (see post above this one). When the judge was brought up I became quickly defensive, and should not have been. You were correct in your comment and what you said.

 

[krefetz1]

Regardless of what happens I wish you nothing but the best. You sound like a good dude who's made a few mistakes in the past but have grown up and learned from them. Good luck

 

[samac]

2 years isn't enough time to prove you've reinvented yourself. You're not getting in this cycle or the next... Or probably the next. It takes years to prove you've changed, and having the 2 marks will kill you at a lot of schools.

 

[costales]

Knock it off if you want to be a doctor.

(Medscape Physician Lifestyle Report 2014)

 

[raptorcage]

I most definitely have. This month was 2 years 8 months sober.

 

[mathnerd88]

Thank you for responding. I do not view a .052 as a poor decision. When I reported this instance to the board they told me it was traffic and insignificant. Thus, I assumed it as such. Obviously zero BAC is the only sure way, but many of your future colleagues will leave happy hour at this BAC. The second was beyond poor decision making, and I own that.

Since you're saying BAC of .052 is insignificant, it was significant enough that the cops had to pull you over since you must have had committed some kind of traffic violation. Alcohol may have contributed to that traffic violation, no matter how small it was. Remember, police never pull you over unless they have a reason to.

Pulling into a turning lane early by some hundred feet is enough to get noticed, and would seem suspicious to a cop.

 

[raptorcage]

It was a back road entrance to my apartment complex, which I move over into anyway. I'm not saying he didn't have a reason to. I accept that. There is nothing to be done now. And I said the board told be the traffic infraction was insignificant. I did not say the BAC was. I agree, I have never been pulled over unless I was doing something I was not supposed to be doing. I never blamed the officer. He did his job and I received the punishment I deserved.

 

[mathnerd88]

It was a back road entrance to my apartment complex, which I move over into anyway. I'm not saying he didn't have a reason to. I accept that. There is nothing to be done now. And I said the board told be the traffic infraction was insignificant. I did not say the BAC was. I agree, I have never been pulled over unless I was doing something I was not supposed to be doing. I never blamed the officer. He did his job and I received the punishment I deserved.

My point is that blowing a 0.052 is significant. In California, if you blew a 0.05, you would have your license suspended for 3 days. It used to be only 1 day suspension. Just because a board tells you it is insignificant doesn't mean it is.

http://www.beyond.ca/bill-26-passes...-fair-the-breathalyzer-challenge-2/11275.html

 

[raptorcage]

I hear you, and I get that now. I didn't really understand it then. I know, for me at least, passing any breathalyzer as long as I'm continuing my sobriety will never be a problem again. One good thing besides sobriety that came out of it is now my friends never drive even if they've had a drop to drink, whereas they used to gauge 2 drinks and think, "ok, I'm fine." I talk to local HS before prom and team up with the local PD and tell my story, and I always tell them I'll be waiting at the ticket table with a breathalyzer. They never believe me, but I'm always there lol It scares the crap out them every time

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I'm sorry, OP, but I don't think you'll be getting into any medical school. Unfortunately, the record is such that makes it seem as 2 DUI took place, but it's not just troublesome that there are 2, but the fact that they happened 4 years apart and you were 28 on the last one. This is not some youthful bone headed incident. It suggests a big problem and a big gamble even if people are sympathetic to the possibility of changing. It's best you look for alternatives. Good luck. I hope your change is real and lasting.

 

[Gandyy]

I've had encounters with drunk drivers. Two things I despise more than anything... drunk drivers and inconsiderate smokers.

 

[Dreamstoo]

I've had encounters with drunk drivers. Two things I despise more than anything... drunk drivers and inconsiderate smokers.

Drunk drivers really scare me. Especially ones who drive on the highway. That's why I'm comforted whenever I see police cars parked next to the highway. Helps keep us safe!

OP, I think for now I don't think medical school is possible. Maybe another 2-3 years and you do not have another incident, then you might have a chance.

 

[yanks26dmb]

For reference wouldn't op only have to list the dui? The first offense was an infraction and by definition an infraction is not a crime. Thus, op only has one crime on his record...

 

[samac]

For reference wouldn't op only have to list the dui? The first offense was an infraction and by definition an infraction is not a crime. Thus, op only has one crime on his record...

But the DUI says "2nd offense"

 

[yanks26dmb]

But the DUI says "2nd offense"

Ah yes, I overlooked that.

That's unfortunate. Op committed one crime but his record seems to indicate he committed two.

 

[raptorcage]

Yes- after consulting with my lawyer I do only need to list the one DUI. It shows up on the background check through certiphi and other resources it lists that the charge was moved up from a first offense to a second. Thus, legal advice told me to only list the one DUI charge, then explain the NY charge and how it affected the state charge. But in his terms "I've legally been charged only once with a DUI- no first record exists." (Literally- that's how I kept my professional license...they didn't see a first charge/reason). That was also my lawyers doing. And That is his legal advice. Disclaimer- not condoning, saying these things are ok, this is what my lawyer said when I talked to him last week.

Of course, when I wrote it, it wasn't cut and dry in legal terms. It was the truth and what I've learned. There was no question of culpability, etc. it he onl advice I followed was admitting to the DUI(singular) and the DWAI. This post is purely in terms of legality that was referenced above.

I don't plan on applying for a long while until I have proven to myself and those around me that I am I worthy candidate.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Yes- after consulting with my lawyer I do only need to list the one DUI. It shows up on the background check through certiphi and other resources it lists that the charge was moved up from a first offense to a second. Thus, legal advice told me to only list the one DUI charge, then explain the NY charge and how it affected the state charge. But in his terms "I've legally been charged only once with a DUI- no first record exists." (Literally- that's how I kept my professional license...they didn't see a first charge/reason). That was also my lawyers doing. And That is his legal advice. Disclaimer- not condoning, saying these things are ok, this is what my lawyer said when I talked to him last week.

Of course, when I wrote it, it wasn't cut and dry in legal terms. It was the truth and what I've learned. There was no question of culpability, etc. it he onl advice I followed was admitting to the DUI(singular) and the DWAI. This post is purely in terms of legality that was referenced above.

I don't plan on applying for a long while until I have proven to myself and those around me that I am I worthy candidate.

Honestly, it would probably take you 10 years to even begin to establish credibility since you had 2 offenses 4 years apart and the latest at age 28, and believe me, DO schools will be a lot tougher to get into then.

I know you have a dream and passion, but being a 38 year old about to start medical school is an incredibly poor place to be. Then you have to hope there's a residency that will be okay with taking someone with your record AND you have to convince the board to let you practice. I understand you have a license, but I imagine that being a doctor would require a stricter standard. Do yourself a favor and start your life. You can still do a lot of good without having to live the rest of your life hoping people will overlook your past.

 

[FutureDrB]

Honestly, it would probably take you 10 years to even begin to establish credibility since you had 2 offenses 4 years apart and the latest at age 28, and believe me, DO schools will be a lot tougher to get into then.

I know you have a dream and passion, but being a 38 year old about to start medical school is an incredibly poor place to be. Then you have to hope there's a residency that will be okay with taking someone with your record AND you have to convince the board to let you practice. I understand you have a license, but I imagine that being a doctor would require a stricter standard. Do yourself a favor and start your life. You can still do a lot of good without having to live the rest of your life hoping people will overlook your past.

@raptorcage What Albino said above is true. My two offenses were 3 years apart. First at 18, second at 21. Both thefts. After that I started college, went on to graduate school, and became involved in countless community service orgs, etc. just to prove myself and try and re-establish my credibility. After endless rejections for jobs, I finally landed my first respectable academic position in 2012...11 years from the time of my last offense. Then went on to teach at another school. The lesson is, you can overcome adversity, but it takes years of proving yourself.

As for medical school, I've spent the past 5 years working towards that. And there's an extremely high likelihood that's it's all for nothing. It will be a miracle if a school accepts me. Not for my academic record, ECs or any of that, but for the reason Albino pointed out...not only will getting accepted be a hurdle, then you have to get licensed. Mega hurdle. Then you have to get a residency position at a hospital that will hire you. Even bigger hurdle.

But, if you refuse to give up on your dreams like me, more power to you. But it's going to take time. I'll be 38 when I start too. (Hopefully.)

 

[mathnerd88]

@raptorcage What Albino said above is true. My two offenses were 3 years apart. First at 18, second at 21. Both thefts. After that I started college, went on to graduate school, and became involved in countless community service orgs, etc. just to prove myself and try and re-establish my credibility. After endless rejections for jobs, I finally landed my first respectable academic position in 2012...11 years from the time of my last offense. Then went on to teach at another school. The lesson is, you can overcome adversity, but it takes years of proving yourself.

As for medical school, I've spent the past 5 years working towards that. And there's an extremely high likelihood that's it's all for nothing. It will be a miracle if a school accepts me. Not for my academic record, ECs or any of that, but for the reason Albino pointed out...not only will getting accepted be a hurdle, then you have to get licensed. Mega hurdle. Then you have to get a residency position at a hospital that will hire you. Even bigger hurdle.

But, if you refuse to give up on your dreams like me, more power to you. But it's going to take time. I'll be 38 when I start too. (Hopefully.)

That's super unfortunate. Would you be okay starting at 38? After paying the loans off, you're likely going to be close to your 50's...

 

[mathnerd88]

Honestly, it would probably take you 10 years to even begin to establish credibility since you had 2 offenses 4 years apart and the latest at age 28, and believe me, DO schools will be a lot tougher to get into then.

I know you have a dream and passion, but being a 38 year old about to start medical school is an incredibly poor place to be. Then you have to hope there's a residency that will be okay with taking someone with your record AND you have to convince the board to let you practice. I understand you have a license, but I imagine that being a doctor would require a stricter standard. Do yourself a favor and start your life. You can still do a lot of good without having to live the rest of your life hoping people will overlook your past.

I agree with you. I'm already not too happy applying to medical school at age 27, knowing that I won't probably pay off my loans until I'm almost 40...

There comes a time when age DOES matter when it comes to a profession.

 

[FutureDrB]

That's super unfortunate. Would you be okay starting at 38? After paying the loans off, you're likely going to be close to your 50's...

Yeah, I actually don't think 38 is that old at all to start. Granted I won't get a "physician" check until 47. But, that still leaves me 25 years or so to practice. Hopefully longer. I can't imagine retiring, so hopefully I can practice until I croak. Also, I'm one of those "not in it for the money" guys. Haha. I want to practice rural (family w/ ob) medicine. So I'm happy getting paid in chickens and apple pies. I'll be paying on my loans for the rest of my life.

 

[mathnerd88]

Yeah, I actually don't think 38 is that old at all to start. Granted I won't get a "physician" check until 47. But, that still leaves me 25 years or so to practice. Hopefully longer. I can't imagine retiring, so hopefully I can practice until I croak. Also, I'm one of those "not in it for the money" guys. Haha. I want to practice rural medicine. So I'm happy getting paid in chickens and apple pies. I'll be paying on my loans for the rest of my life.

That's admirable. I really hope you do get in. God knows we do need people with your mentality in medicine.

 

[FutureDrB]

That's admirable. I really hope you do get in. God knows we do need people with your mentality in medicine.

Thanks. Fingers crossed.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

@raptorcage What Albino said above is true. My two offenses were 3 years apart. First at 18, second at 21. Both thefts. After that I started college, went on to graduate school, and became involved in countless community service orgs, etc. just to prove myself and try and re-establish my credibility. After endless rejections for jobs, I finally landed my first respectable academic position in 2012...11 years from the time of my last offense. Then went on to teach at another school. The lesson is, you can overcome adversity, but it takes years of proving yourself.

As for medical school, I've spent the past 5 years working towards that. And there's an extremely high likelihood that's it's all for nothing. It will be a miracle if a school accepts me. Not for my academic record, ECs or any of that, but for the reason Albino pointed out...not only will getting accepted be a hurdle, then you have to get licensed. Mega hurdle. Then you have to get a residency position at a hospital that will hire you. Even bigger hurdle.

But, if you refuse to give up on your dreams like me, more power to you. But it's going to take time. I'll be 38 when I start too. (Hopefully.)

I think this should speak a lot to OP. It depends on the nature of the theft, but by enlarge in our society theft at 18/21 looks a lot "better" than 2 DUI at 24/28 because the youthful indiscretions excuse are out the window and this is highly suggestive of having an alcohol dependency problem.

FutureDrB, I hope that the nature of the offenses were "petty" or such that circumstances had a lot to do with it (poverty, need, etc.). I also hope someone is willing to give you a shot after 16 years showing clean. Everyone that proves they deserve a second shot should get it.

 

[yanks26dmb]

@raptorcage What Albino said above is true. My two offenses were 3 years apart. First at 18, second at 21. Both thefts. After that I started college, went on to graduate school, and became involved in countless community service orgs, etc. just to prove myself and try and re-establish my credibility. After endless rejections for jobs, I finally landed my first respectable academic position in 2012...11 years from the time of my last offense. Then went on to teach at another school. The lesson is, you can overcome adversity, but it takes years of proving yourself.

As for medical school, I've spent the past 5 years working towards that. And there's an extremely high likelihood that's it's all for nothing. It will be a miracle if a school accepts me. Not for my academic record, ECs or any of that, but for the reason Albino pointed out...not only will getting accepted be a hurdle, then you have to get licensed. Mega hurdle. Then you have to get a residency position at a hospital that will hire you. Even bigger hurdle.

But, if you refuse to give up on your dreams like me, more power to you. But it's going to take time. I'll be 38 when I start too. (Hopefully.)

Is getting licensed really that difficult if you did something minor (I'd argue petty theft, a joint, etc is much more minor than a DUI, for example) 18+ years ago? On what basis are we calling getting hired and licensed major hurdles? I'm pretty schools aren't letting people into school if the board won't license them..

 

[FutureDrB]

I think this should speak a lot to OP. It depends on the nature of the theft, but by enlarge in our society theft at 18/21 looks a lot "better" than 2 DUI at 24/28 because the youthful indiscretions excuse are out the window and this is highly suggestive of having an alcohol dependency problem.

FutureDrB, I hope that the nature of the offenses were "petty" or such that circumstances had a lot to do with it (poverty, need, etc.). I also hope someone is willing to give you a shot after 16 years showing clean. Everyone that proves they deserve a second shot should get it.

It actually surprises me that my record isn't such a big deal now. I've gone on several interviews in recent years and it was either not brought up at all, or responded to with, "eh, we all make mistakes when we're young." I can only attribute that to the 11 years that has passed though. As I stated above, in the years following the incidents, job prospects were nil.

The first offense was a petty charge. $50 shoplifting. The second however, not so much. Although there is a long back-story to the second incident that pretty much renders me a bystander. That probably makes no sense...

 

[FutureDrB]

Is getting licensed really that difficult if you did something minor 18+ years ago? On what basis are we calling getting hired and licensed major hurdles? I'm pretty schools aren't letting people into school if the board won't license them..

@Goro ?

That was the point of the comment. A school doesn't necessarily care about the background, but if the state won't license you when you graduate, it's a waste of their time, thus they probably aren't going to accept you.

Getting licensed actually isn't the hard part. Even with major offenses you can get licensed. Sometimes on the first try, but especially after an appeal and documentation of what you've done to "rehabilitate" yourself.

Getting hired on the other hand is another story. Many states have "public protection" laws that prevent medical facilities from hiring someone with a record, especially a felony.

 

[yanks26dmb]

That was the point of the comment. A school doesn't necessarily care about the background, but if the state won't license you when you graduate, it's a waste of their time, thus they probably aren't going to accept you.

Getting licensed actually isn't the hard part. Even with major offenses you can get licensed. Sometimes on the first try, but especially after an appear and documentation of what you've done to "rehabilitate" yourself.

Gettting hired on the other hand it another story. Many states have "public protection" laws that prevent medical facilities from hiring someone with a record, especially a felony.

A felony, I agree...you're in big trouble.

I just have a hard time seeing someone denied a residency because they were convicted of a minor and/or victimless crime a decade plus ago. But perhaps I'm wrong and this is quite common for med students with non-spotless backgrounds.

 

[FutureDrB]

A felony, I agree...you're in big trouble.

I just have a hard time seeing someone denied a residency because they were convicted of a minor and/or victimless crime a decade plus ago. But perhaps I'm wrong and this is quite common for med students with non-spotless backgrounds.

The word "felony" has a lot of public stigma surrounding it. You'd be surprised at some of the offenses that are deemed felonies. Every state is different of course. Here in Texas though, you can stab someone in the face and it's a misdemeanor....write a hot check or keep too many tires on your property, felony.

 

[Tommyguns89]

Since you're saying BAC of .052 is insignificant, it was significant enough that the cops had to pull you over since you must have had committed some kind of traffic violation. Alcohol may have contributed to that traffic violation, no matter how small it was. Remember, police never pull you over unless they have a reason to.

Pulling into a turning lane early by some hundred feet is enough to get noticed, and would seem suspicious to a cop.

Lol, Im not trying to say this guy didnt screw up because he did...but lets be honest here his BAC probably had nothing to do with why he turned into the lane early. I do that literally every day, and I am sure I commit other small infractions without even realizing it.

That being said OP screwed up pretty bad with the second offence. Even if the first one was borderline, you should have taken that as a wake up call. The fact that the 2nd offence was more serious and less ambiguous is troublesome imo, it would seem like you are regressing rather than learning.

 

[raptorcage]

@raptorcage What Albino said above is true. My two offenses were 3 years apart. First at 18, second at 21. Both thefts. After that I started college, went on to graduate school, and became involved in countless community service orgs, etc. just to prove myself and try and re-establish my credibility. After endless rejections for jobs, I finally landed my first respectable academic position in 2012...11 years from the time of my last offense. Then went on to teach at another school. The lesson is, you can overcome adversity, but it takes years of proving yourself.

As for medical school, I've spent the past 5 years working towards that. And there's an extremely high likelihood that's it's all for nothing. It will be a miracle if a school accepts me. Not for my academic record, ECs or any of that, but for the reason Albino pointed out...not only will getting accepted be a hurdle, then you have to get licensed. Mega hurdle. Then you have to get a residency position at a hospital that will hire you. Even bigger hurdle.

But, if you refuse to give up on your dreams like me, more power to you. But it's going to take time. I'll be 38 when I start too. (Hopefully.)

I don't know what state you live in, but you can get a pardon from the governor if you are truly rehabilitated and the offenses are preventing you from getting jobs due to your record. It depends on the state/governor and how many pardons he actually does for misdemeanors. After the pardon, you can take it back to the court for expungement. Every state is different on their leniency so it's good to get a free consultation from a lawyer. In my state, he often pardons such offenses due to age, time passed, rehabilitation work done, proof of inability to find jobs, etc. it's worth a shot.