united-states arrest criminal-record
Can I become a surgeon with an arrest record of 3 felonies?
<p>I was charged with 2 counts of burglary and one count of theft about a month after I turned 18 for taking scrap metal from an abandoned house. I was arrested but never convicted, and underwent PTI to have my record expunged. However, my arrest record remains and third-party websites have gotten access to my arrest information. A simple google search of my name now reveals this information. I am currently in college and plan to apply to medical school afterwards and become a surgeon, would this be possible with my current situation?</p>

<p>While the decision ultimately comes down to the licensing officials of a state regulatory board, it would be very unusual for a state regulatory board to prevent you from obtaining a license based upon arrests that did not result in a conviction. </p>

<p>It might even be unconstitutional for them to do so, because it would effectively be a governmental punishment for a crime for which you are presumed innocent.</p>

<p>The fact that the arrests would be roughly eight years old at the time you would be applying for a license would likely diminish their relevance.</p>

<p>You might be asked to explain any arrest in your licensing application, but an explanation that made clear that the arrests did not result in a conviction ought to be adequate.</p>
