Felony Marijuana Charge (Not Conviction)

[chillondillon]

I've been looking everywhere to find the answer to this...but no luck so far.

Can I get a medical license with a felony charge...not conviction.

I'm ineligible to seal it because I got a DUI about 6 months prior to that....yes I know...I had a very bad start my freshman year....took me almost 5 years to get back into school and begin to finish my B.S.

I was charged with possession with intent to sell (although my roomate and I only had a couple pot plants in the closet for some stupid reason), completed my rehab/probation, and it has been nearly 7 years since then.

On top of that I have a lovely DUI - which in Florida is always a conviction and will have to be reported on AMCAS....just hoping the felony won't...and that I can still get a license.

I'm expecting to graduate with around a 3.7, and hope to get at least 28-30 on MCAT.

Bottom line is - I've been charged with a felony but never convicted.

I am considering...or rather I'd be grateful to go to a Carribean Medical School...but no point if a can't get a license in the first place!

Please Help.

Thanks,

ChillonDillon

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[FeatherPen]

You were not convicted! You are fine.

I've been looking everywhere to find the answer to this...but no luck so far.

Can I get a medical license with a felony charge...not conviction.

I'm ineligible to seal it because I got a DUI about 6 months prior to that....yes I know...I had a very bad start my freshman year....took me almost 5 years to get back into school and begin to finish my B.S.

I was charged with possession with intent to sell (although my roomate and I only had a couple pot plants in the closet for some stupid reason), completed my rehab/probation, and it has been nearly 7 years since then.

On top of that I have a lovely DUI - which in Florida is always a conviction and will have to be reported on AMCAS....just hoping the felony won't...and that I can still get a license.

I'm expecting to graduate with around a 3.7, and hope to get at least 28-30 on MCAT.

Bottom line is - I've been charged with a felony but never convicted.

I am considering...or rather I'd be grateful to go to a Carribean Medical School...but no point if a can't get a license in the first place!

Please Help.

Thanks,

ChillonDillon

 

[csmittyB]

You were not convicted! You are fine.

I was charged with possession with intent to sell (although my roomate and I only had a couple pot plants in the closet for some stupid reason), completed my rehab/probation, and it has been nearly 7 years since then.

On top of that I have a lovely DUI - which in Florida is always a conviction and will have to be reported on AMCAS....just hoping the felony won't...and that I can still get a license.

I'm expecting to graduate with around a 3.7, and hope to get at least 28-30 on MCAT.

He may not have been convicted, but it appears he pled guilty or no contest (he said he did rehab etc.). Even if he wasn't convicted, I'm pretty sure schools ask about being charged with felonies. Add to that, it was a drug arrest with intent to sell and he has a DUI.

OP, can't say if licensing agencies will look past it. Send an anonymous email to the DEA (or whoever is responsible for licensing) and ask about getting licensed with a felony drug charge. You have a tough road ahead.

 

[tremulousNeedle]

Talk to a lawyer in a state where you would be interested in practicing (medical licenses are issued by states, not nationally). If there is a law school there, sometimes they offer free legal advice. You can also call the state licensing office and flat out ask them. I would avoid trusting the replies of neurotic premedical students who often post on this site. While they provide good premedical advice their legal advice is far from sound.

In WI, I believe the licensing process reviews convictions or pending charges, but not charges that have been dismissed or otherwise settled.

Hope this helps.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Sorry to say ... but I think you're in trouble.

The DUI will cause licensing issues in and of itself. This is the main reason why schools do checks. Secondly, a felony charge for anything is serious and will come up in a background check, but a felony for selling drugs may be a complete nail in the coffin. You may have also pleaded no contest in exchange for going to rehab, which, for all intents and purposes with AMCAS, counts and needs to be disclosed. A few more things:

1. Your attitude needs to change. So what if Florida always convicts DUIs, you were still driving drunk. Even if you felt fine, no biggie, whatever, you need to take responsibility for it. And the pot thing ... no one in the history of the world has just had pot plants in their closet for some 'stupid reason.' Own up. Even if it was just for you, you need to take responsibility for it. Probably the worst thing you can do it act like you didn't do anything, etc. It's going to make you look sneaky to the adcoms. You need to take responsibility for your actions, show some serious rehabilitation, and demonstrate this BS isn't going to happen again.

2. Get a lawyer. Talk to him/her and do what they say. Be very open, and honest and don't try to hide anything (from anyone). They can be a huge asset ... it's their job!

3. I'd call a few admissions offices anonymously and see if you can talk to someone about it. They may give you a good gauge.

4. Realize that you are up against a mountain of crap here and be prepared to fight really hard to get in/understand that it may not happen.

Good luck 👍

I've been looking everywhere to find the answer to this...but no luck so far.

Can I get a medical license with a felony charge...not conviction.

I'm ineligible to seal it because I got a DUI about 6 months prior to that....yes I know...I had a very bad start my freshman year....took me almost 5 years to get back into school and begin to finish my B.S.

I was charged with possession with intent to sell (although my roomate and I only had a couple pot plants in the closet for some stupid reason), completed my rehab/probation, and it has been nearly 7 years since then.

On top of that I have a lovely DUI - which in Florida is always a conviction and will have to be reported on AMCAS....just hoping the felony won't...and that I can still get a license.

I'm expecting to graduate with around a 3.7, and hope to get at least 28-30 on MCAT.

Bottom line is - I've been charged with a felony but never convicted.

I am considering...or rather I'd be grateful to go to a Carribean Medical School...but no point if a can't get a license in the first place!

Please Help.

Thanks,

ChillonDillon

 

[elektroshok]

Sorry to say ... but I think you're in trouble.

The DUI will cause licensing issues in and of itself. This is the main reason why schools do checks. Secondly, a felony charge for anything is serious and will come up in a background check, but a felony for selling drugs may be a complete nail in the coffin. You may have also pleaded no contest in exchange for going to rehab, which, for all intents and purposes with AMCAS, counts and needs to be disclosed. A few more things:

1. Your attitude needs to change. So what if Florida always convicts DUIs, you were still driving drunk. Even if you felt fine, no biggie, whatever, you need to take responsibility for it. And the pot thing ... no one in the history of the world has just had pot plants in their closet for some 'stupid reason.' Own up. Even if it was just for you, you need to take responsibility for it. Probably the worst thing you can do it act like you didn't do anything, etc. It's going to make you look sneaky to the adcoms. You need to take responsibility for your actions, show some serious rehabilitation, and demonstrate this BS isn't going to happen again.

2. Get a lawyer. Talk to him/her and do what they say. Be very open, and honest and don't try to hide anything (from anyone). They can be a huge asset ... it's their job!

3. I'd call a few admissions offices anonymously and see if you can talk to someone about it. They may give you a good gauge.

4. Realize that you are up against a mountain of crap here and be prepared to fight really hard to get in/understand that it may not happen.

Good luck 👍

How do you know this? DUIs are misdemeanors.


OP -

I do agree though that the attitude doesn't seem very good about the whole situation and unless the case was dismissed out right or you were found not guilty there will be issues later on.

But you do need to get all the details of the case and talk to a lawyer - not us!

Good luck

 

[JaggerPlate]

How do you know this? DUIs are misdemeanors.


OP -

I do agree though that the attitude doesn't seem very good about the whole situation and unless the case was dismissed out right or you were found not guilty there will be issues later on.

But you do need to get all the details of the case and talk to a lawyer - not us!

Good luck

Yup, they are misdemeanors, I've just heard things about causing licensing issues and being convicted of a misdemeanor in general still isn't great. The problem is that the state has to give you a license to prescribe, interact with patients, and maybe even perform surgery. If they think substance abuse is a problem ... then there is an issue. Granted, this is my assumption, but I have heard that it can cause issues from multiple sources.

 

[DendWrite]

I really feel for you OP. Everybody knows that MJ should be legal anyhow, and plus, getting busted with "intent to sell" seems (if you really only had the plants in your closet and not baggies / scales lying around) like utter B.S. I don't know precisely what your chances are at an allopathic school. One thing that you have going for you is that it was 7 years ago and since then you've stayed out of trouble. As an adcom, I'd definitely be sympathetic to your story. I'd definitely make some anonymous calls and see what your chances are. I don't think that it's impossible, especially since it will be more than 10 years behind you by the time you seek a medical license. It will definitely be a tough road.

 

[elektroshok]

Yup, they are misdemeanors, I've just heard things about causing licensing issues and being convicted of a misdemeanor in general still isn't great. The problem is that the state has to give you a license to prescribe, interact with patients, and maybe even perform surgery. If they think substance abuse is a problem ... then there is an issue. Granted, this is my assumption, but I have heard that it can cause issues from multiple sources.

No the substance abuse potential makes sense, I have just heard of quite a few practicing docs and now medstudents with DUIs. (But they didn't show patterns of substance abuse or have other drug charges).

Was just wondering 👍

 

[JaggerPlate]

I really feel for you OP. Everybody knows that MJ should be legal anyhow, and plus, getting busted with "intent to sell" seems (if you really only had the plants in your closet and not baggies / scales lying around) like utter B.S. I don't know precisely what your chances are at an allopathic school. One thing that you have going for you is that it was 7 years ago and since then you've stayed out of trouble. As an adcom, I'd definitely be sympathetic to your story. I'd definitely make some anonymous calls and see what your chances are. I don't think that it's impossible, especially since it will be more than 10 years behind you by the time you seek a medical license. It will definitely be a tough road.

I know several people who have gotten in with MJ issues, but it's the intent to sell and the fact that it's a felony that, in my opinion, hurts.

 

[csmittyB]

I really feel for you OP. Everybody knows that MJ should be legal anyhow, and plus, getting busted with "intent to sell" seems (if you really only had the plants in your closet and not baggies / scales lying around) like utter B.S. I don't know precisely what your chances are at an allopathic school. One thing that you have going for you is that it was 7 years ago and since then you've stayed out of trouble. As an adcom, I'd definitely be sympathetic to your story. I'd definitely make some anonymous calls and see what your chances are. I don't think that it's impossible, especially since it will be more than 10 years behind you by the time you seek a medical license. It will definitely be a tough road.

Why would an adcom be sypathetic to someone with felony drug charges and a DUI when there plenty of other applicants with similar numbers and NO legal issues?

 

[odieoh]

Op:
here is your problem: becoming an MD requires you to fill out many
many many applications, all of which will ask you questions about
criminal history. Some will ask about felony convictions and some will
ask whether you've ever been charged.

Applications that I can think of:
1 AMCAS
2 secondary med school Apps
3 apps for any away rotations you may do during med school
4 once you are in, you still have to apply to residency programs. Basically this is like apping to med school all over again. You are NOT guaranteed to get in. If you desire a competitive specialty...well This kind of thing does not help.
5 depending on what kind of residency you go into you may have
To apply separately for your internship. Most people do.
6 Once in residency you will then need to apply for a medical license
In whatever state your program is in
7. Once finished with residency you may desire to do a felowship
8 once done with residency/fellowship if you end up wanting to practice in another state you have to apply for a medical license in that state.

Soooo....basically you could get held up at any stage in that process. I foresee
residency apps and some state licenses being your biggest potential roadblocks.

To all you premeds who apped and are feeling so happy to be done with
all the paperwork.....HA!

 

[tremulousNeedle]

Here are FACTS, NO HEARSAY

If it helps, I just went through the residency application process and the only questions that were asked about crimincal history were "Felony Convictions & Healthcare Limitations", nothing about previous charges or misdemeanors. The PDF below is the printable residency application worksheet, see page 13.
http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/resources/downloads/worksheet2010.pdf
AND there is only one application (this one) for all the components of residency, not multiple as previous replies may have mentioned.

Regarding AMCAS, this site discusses parts of the background check. It appears as though felony and misdemeanor CONVICTIONS need to be reported, but I suggest reading it for yourself.
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/background.htm

And regarding state licensure, I used WI since that is where I am from,
this is their licensing site as an example.
http://drl.wi.gov/prof/doct/cred.htm
Common Denial Reason: Cannot meet above requirements.

Convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of license if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are substantially related to professional practice per Wis Statute 111.31.

I too know Dr's and RN's with DUI's, so they are not deal breakers.

I hope these HARD FACTS help you out.​

 

[DendWrite]

Why would an adcom be sypathetic to someone with felony drug charges and a DUI when there plenty of other applicants with similar numbers and NO legal issues?

1) Because everyone makes mistakes, because it wasn't a conviction.

2) Because MJ scheduling is absurd and a political move (plant is schedule 1 and legality varies from state to state while there is a schedule 3, FDA-approved antiemetic that is the active ingredient of the plant; Schedule 1 = "[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1](B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."[/SIZE]., Schedule 3 = "[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1](B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."[/SIZE].) It's not like the guy was selling cocaine or narcotics or prescription drugs.

3) People break laws all the time and just don't get caught. Not having a conviction is not a sign of innocence. Case in point: any student who sells adderall is a "drug dealer" and could be busted for a felony. Any student who buys adderall to use without a prescription could be busted for a felony for possessing it. I personally know several people who commonly sell / use adderall. They are probably never going to get caught. Several are pre-med and are probably going to get into good medical schools.

Everybody speeds (reckless driving misdemeanors). Lots of people drive drunk (DUIs). In some states you can be busted for drunk driving with a BAC of 0.03 (if you are a minor). This is hardly an "impaired" state (why else is the state limit 0.08).

4) The events happened quite a while back. How did the OP react? By picking himself back up after freshman year and finishing school with a pretty solid GPA.

5) To me, violent crime would be concerning. The DUI is arguable a violent crime in that you're putting others' lives at risk, but I've heard of several cases of people getting in with a DUI (at least anecdotally). To me, having a few MJ plants in your closet is not a violent crime. Also, I have some friends for whom that amount would be THEIR PERSONAL STASH. Literally. That's why I question the "intent to distribute" (and wonder the circumstances of getting caught in the first place).

6) I'm not saying that an ADCOM will ignore this stuff, and certainly if you are going up against someone with the same GPAs, same ECs, etc, chances are you're going to lose. But I don't think that it is a dealbreaker entirely, so long as he can still get licensure (again, I DON'T know about this sort of thing, so ask a lawyer or someone who does).

OP -- I'd get a good lawyer and see if this is going to show up on a background check. If not, and the lawyer says it's going to be OK, I wouldn't report it. You'll have to deal with the DUI, but it's not a dealbreaker. Just don't make the same mistake again and show that you've learned from it. Apply broadly and early.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Just because it's not right to judge people because of one mistake or because everyone screws up every once and a while, doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. Is it fair? Debatable, you just made pretty good points that it isn't. However, you could argue until you were blue in the face, and all it would take is one glance, from one adcom who had a problem with it, or had just turned down someone with the same qualifications and no criminal history, to completely negate the point ... and reject the applicant. Life is unfair. Sometimes people go for years doing something and never get caught, other time people get caught on their first try, and it's really up to admissions whether this flies or doesn't.

1) Because everyone makes mistakes, because it wasn't a conviction.

2) Because MJ scheduling is absurd and a political move (plant is schedule 1 and legality varies from state to state while there is a schedule 3, FDA-approved antiemetic that is the active ingredient of the plant; Schedule 1 = "[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1](B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."[/SIZE]., Schedule 3 = "[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1](B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."[/SIZE].) It's not like the guy was selling cocaine or narcotics or prescription drugs.

3) People break laws all the time and just don't get caught. Not having a conviction is not a sign of innocence. Case in point: any student who sells adderall is a "drug dealer" and could be busted for a felony. Any student who buys adderall to use without a prescription could be busted for a felony for possessing it. I personally know several people who commonly sell / use adderall. They are probably never going to get caught. Several are pre-med and are probably going to get into good medical schools.

Everybody speeds (reckless driving misdemeanors). Lots of people drive drunk (DUIs). In some states you can be busted for drunk driving with a BAC of 0.03 (if you are a minor). This is hardly an "impaired" state (why else is the state limit 0.08).

4) The events happened quite a while back. How did the OP react? By picking himself back up after freshman year and finishing school with a pretty solid GPA.

5) To me, violent crime would be concerning. The DUI is arguable a violent crime in that you're putting others' lives at risk, but I've heard of several cases of people getting in with a DUI (at least anecdotally). To me, having a few MJ plants in your closet is not a violent crime. Also, I have some friends for whom that amount would be THEIR PERSONAL STASH. Literally. That's why I question the "intent to distribute" (and wonder the circumstances of getting caught in the first place).

6) I'm not saying that an ADCOM will ignore this stuff, and certainly if you are going up against someone with the same GPAs, same ECs, etc, chances are you're going to lose. But I don't think that it is a dealbreaker entirely, so long as he can still get licensure (again, I DON'T know about this sort of thing, so ask a lawyer or someone who does).

OP -- I'd get a good lawyer and see if this is going to show up on a background check. If not, and the lawyer says it's going to be OK, I wouldn't report it. You'll have to deal with the DUI, but it's not a dealbreaker. Just don't make the same mistake again and show that you've learned from it. Apply broadly and early.

 

[chillondillon]

Sorry, my message seems as if I have a bad attitude...that's definitely not the case. I've just been trying to find out whether or not I'd be able to get a license. By the time I graduate...next Fall...it will have been 7 years since it's happened. I was irresponsible, immature, and self-destructive.....blah blah blah. I screwed up big time, and almost gave up hope. I repaired a 2.0 to over a 3.0 , and now my University GPA is a 3.7

As far as owning up to my mistakes...I'm planning on disclosing everything whether I need to or not b/c I know it will show up somehwere down the road.

1) obviously a DUI is bad...

2) I grew a few plants to obviously smoke them...not look at them. I completed a six month inpatient rehab for marijuana, and have had my head on right ever since. worked with a softweare company for 3 years, got 4 raises in pay, and currently am a software trainer part time.

I know I will have to say to the adcom: I made some very bad mistakes in my past, worked hard to move past them and learn from them, and have been working hard ever since to repair the damage I've done.

That might be a deal breaker in itself....but I just want to prepare myself for other career options if it's certain I'd be denied for a medical license.

Thanks for all the help everyone....I appreciate it!

I've written several admissions offices - still waiting reply - and I can't seem to find anything on florida health website about their policies. I'll call and figure it out.

 

[tremulousNeedle]

If you really want to be a doctor, then you'll just have to go for it.
See the links in my previous post.
And be prepared for a bumpy road.
Good luck.

 

[chillondillon]

I tried to call, but keep getting transferred to voicemail.

Florida Medical License Application:

Have you ever been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or no contest to any crime in any jurisdiction other than a minor traffic offense?You must include all misdemeanors and felonies even if adjudication was withheld by the court so that you would not have a record of conviction. Driving under the influence or driving while impaired is not a minor traffic offense for purposes of this question.

Have you ever been arrested or criminally or civilly charged with any intentional or negligent action related to the use or misuse of drugs, alcohol, or illegal chemical substances?

!@#$ OUCH! @#$

It doesn't say anywhere on the florida website for 'reasons for denial'

All it says is to provide court documents proving adjudication of guilt was withheld. Also there are a series of questions asking about substance/alcohol abuse in the past 5 years which could cause your application to be denied - so I'm good there.

Will post back when I actually speak to florida medical license staff.

Thanks again everyone...and please let me know if you know of ANYONE who has been accepted or denied with a similar felony charge.

I'm just thankful I wans't convicted....I can still vote, carry a concealed weapon, and work in a lab with dangerous chemicals, haha. I guess if all else fails I can go on to get my masters and Ph.D in Chemistry or Biology