MIP in past, but expunged from record...will is show in background check?

Question

I got an MIP when I was 17...I did all the required alcohol education and probation and PO meetings, and was under this program called Youth Training assistance or something, I don't remember...but because I was under 18 and did not mess up my probation, they took it off my record and said it would only show up for government related jobs. Something like that, I don't quite remember because my dad dealt with the lawfulness of it. Well...I'm 20 now and wanting to apply to medical school in the next few years...they do a criminal background check and all to see if you have any felonies, dui's, mip's, etc...Will that one show up, or do I have a "clean Record"? I'm so confused...I haven't had any other mips or anything of that sort since then...but will it affect my chances now of getting into med school?

Answer 1

The charges may have been dismissed after you completed your court supervision, but you need to see if the citation was actually expunged. You would have had to show up in court and ask a judge to expunge the arrest and seal the court records. This would also require your attorney to file the proper paperwork with the court. If it has been expunged already, it will not show up.

As a practical matter, the fact that it was a juvenile matter means it will likely be sealed anyway. Furthermore, med schools aren't likely to keep someone out because of a mistake they made when you were a minor. However, if you don't disclose, it may pop up when you apply for your medical license after you graduate. Most state medical boards require a background check for licensure. If you come clean about it now, they won't be nearly as upset about the arrest as they would be if they find out about it on their own.