license suspension Forum

[ricking1288]

I'm not applying until the next cycle but I got started on the application process already as in getting LORs, taking the LSATs, etc. I have one question about the disclosing speeding tickets and violations. I know there are a lot of threads out there about this but my situation is different. In high school, I got a two tickets of doing 93 in a 55 and reckless driving. There was no injury or damage. Altogether I was looking at 10 points, but I got a lawyer and he negotiated a plea agreement with the prosecutor that stated that the reckless driving ticket would be dismissed and the 93 in a 55 would drop down from 5 points to 2 points; however, i would have to a 10 day suspension of my license and the fine came out to less $200. Should I include this on my application?

[CSKNJ]

Yes. It is always better to disclose than not to disclose. The Bar application process is much more rigid than the law school app practice. By failing to disclose on your law school apps you could seriously jeopardize your admittance to the Bar. Motor vehicle offenses are almost never a serious issue with admissions boards. I myself was admitted to several schools recently within my numbers range despite admitting to a DUI a year ago. I doubt anyone would consider what you did as negatively as a DUI; failing to disclose your speeding tickets will only hurt you in my opinion.

[j.wellington]

Routine traffic tickets don't need to be disclosed on most apps, but depending on where you live, reckless driving could be a criminal charge. In that case you would need to disclose it even if was dismissed. I would just do it anyway. Describe the details as concisely as possible without leaving out anything technical. It's almost guaranteed not to be a problem.

[Z3RO]

It depends on the app. Harvard asks for any misdemeanors. I emailed them asking if I needed to explain "minor misdemeanors" (speeding tickets in Ohio are minor-misdemeanors). They said that I did.

[reasonable_man]

It doesn't depend on the app.. Over-disclosing is always the safest route.