Belong Here?

Hi - I originally posted this in the 'Florida' forum, but maybe this is a better place for it. I'm not an addict and I'm not in recovery, but maybe you guys are better equipped to help me out. Here's my post:

Hi all - I'm a little new here, but here goes. I'm a student in FL, getting ready to graduate in December. I'm faced with the daunting task of applying to the BON with a criminal record. Here's the worst of it: drugs. Now, here are the circumstances.

This is a charge that I plead 'no contest' to 18 years ago, at the age of 18.
Adjudication of guilt was withheld.
The record has since been sealed (NOT expunged) by the courts.
I have about 10 letters of recommendation from faculty, clinical supervisors, and the dean of my CON.
I'm a straight A student, board member of FNSA, etc.
I was a social worker for 8 years serving people with HIV / AIDS.

Someone with experience in this matter, please tell me, what are my chances?

Thanks to any / all who reply.

At the time that I applied for my Florida R.N. license I'd been licensed in Minnesota for about 15 years. During the federal background check a possession of marijuana charge came up from 1973. I honestly had forgotten all about it and the Florida Board hemmed and hawed for a while but issued me a license eventually.

Thanks so much for your reply. I am hoping that I can present a good case and win the favor of the board. My charge is actually 'sale' rather than posession, so I'm still worried.

If you had it to do over again, is there anything you would present to the BON on your behalf other than letters and a good strong case for rehabilitation?

Thanks again!

Your professional performance to date and the shortage are pretty compelling points. I wanted to keep the whole thing low-key and it never went beyond a administrator making a decision.