Answering Conviction Questions on Applications

[blink4288]

Certain applications only ask for convictions, so if the answer is answered truthfully and dismissed cases are left out, will a State Bar possibly view that as dishonesty?

[HyeMart]

if the answer is answered truthfully...will a State Bar possibly view that as dishonesty?

what do you think...

[blink4288]

I guess what I meant to ask is will they view it negatively?

[PlugInBaby]

Viewing it negatively means nothing...the only things that can prevent you from getting into the bar are felonies (in some states) and dishonesty.

[straxen]

I guess what I meant to ask is will they view it negatively?

The rule is when in doubt, disclose. However the rule doesn't apply in this case. If they are specifically asking about convictions, and you weren't convicted of anything, there is absolutely no ambiguity, so there should be no doubt...you don't need to disclose. Nobody's going to penalize you for answering a question completely truthfully.

[HyeMart]

maybe, but it doesn't matter. There arn't degrees of acceptance, your either in or your out. Considering you followed the rules, it's not enough to deny you.