Should I just give up?

[SevoInduction]

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So four years ago, I was arrested for simple battery - family violence (a misdemeanor) due a fight I got into with a roommate (we shoved each other during an argument).. We both pled guilty to simply battery (not family violence, and just a misdemeanor) and paid a $600 fine.

Now I've decided to go back to college for pre-med (I'm a 31y/o non-trad). I'm actually leaning towards being an Anesthesiologist Assistant (haven't ruled out MD Anesthesia either though), and I've called the programs I'm interested in applying to and they have said this is such a minor charge that it wouldn't be an issue to being accepted.

I've also spoken with a professional licensing attorney who said as long as I stay out of trouble I shouldn't have a problem getting a license.

I thought there was nothing to worry about. Well, I recently applied to be a volunteer in an ER, and was accepted. Then came the background check. It came back as "Doesn't meet acceptable standards" or something like that. In fact, the volunteer coordinator said she can't see what is on it, but she doesn't understand why a misdemeanor would be a problem. I explained to her what happened, and she tried to get me in, but ultimately someone above her apparently said "The rules are the rules, he can't volunteer."

I'm obviously pretty distraught by this, and now this has me wondering if I will have problems getting accepted to do clinicals while in school, and ultimately able to get a job in a hospital.

I see a lot of posts on here about people having convictions for theft, DUIs, simple possession, etc, that are misdemeanors and they don't seem to have problems.. I have yet to see anything about simple battery, simple assault, etc.

And for those of you who don't know, simple battery means "Touching someone in an insulting manner"... not beating the crap out of someone.

 

[flip26]

You need a better lawyer.

One who has practiced in this area (professional licensing, specifically for medicine). You should also make inquiries with some med schools RE the clinicals, etc, and your eligibility...

Find volunteer activities with no background checks...I have volunteered in hospitals and free clinics, and there were no checks.

Good luck.

 

[Lil Bear]

I don't know what to do in this situation but don't give up, that is the stupidest thing to not be able to go into medicine because of touching someone in an insulting manner

 

[BBender716]

Definitely lawyer up.

 

[Tutmos]

Try to get it expunged.

 

[SevoInduction]

Try to get it expunged.

Unfortunately Georgia doesn't allow convictions to be expunged. We have some of the worst expungement laws in the country.

 

[LiveUninhibited]

.

 

[jvesco22]

Should I just Give up?

Yes.

 

[lstone13]

Definitely lawyer up.

👍

Don't give up, but seriously seek better, more specialized counsel.

 

[SevoInduction]

👍

Don't give up, but seriously seek better, more specialized counsel.

The lawyer I spoke with is a licensing attorney.. For physicians, PAs, lawyers, psych, etc. We just spoke over the phone, but she said I shouldn't have a problem getting licensed.

I suppose I should actually pay $700 and go sit and and chat with her in person though.

 

[bellakk]

The lawyer I spoke with is a licensing attorney.. For physicians, PAs, lawyers, psych, etc. We just spoke over the phone, but she said I shouldn't have a problem getting licensed.

I suppose I should actually pay $700 and go sit and and chat with her in person though.

There is a big difference between getting licensed and being able to practice medicine.

Before shelling out bucks for an attorney, I'd suggest talking to some medical schools first. Find out if they have ever accepted anyone with your type of misdemeanor. What are they requirements for getting all set up for clinicals? Many med schools require a background check for applications or after acceptance before matriculation. Do the affiliated hospitals require their own check or just assume the school has already done it? Also you have to remember that although you might not get accepted for volunteering, you would still be allowed for clinicals since you have the reputation of the med school behind you where as any college kid off the street could volunteer.

 

[J ROD]

Get better advice and look more into it. I would not think it would be a huge issue.

 

[SevoInduction]

Get better advice and look more into it. I would not think it would be a huge issue.

Someone on SDN was nice enough to actually describe my situation to a credentialing guy at a hospital, and the response back was that this isn't that big of a deal, as long as you are honest about it.

 

[CopToEM]

Mother's a lawyer and I was a cop - expunge, expunge, expunge! It's such a minute charge, it's affecting your life, and you're the perfect candidate to have this removed from your record. Any decent lawyer can file this motion.

 

[SevoInduction]

I thought I would post this for others who might be in a similar situation.

I spoke with a prominent attorney in my area who argues cases in front of the boards in my state. She reviewed everything, and from her experience I will not have a problem getting licensed. In fact, she doubts the board will even ask for an interview.

She also has some connections to help me get in a volunteer position.. It was definitely worth the $$ I paid to get some piece of mind and maybe a connection or two.