How to address two DUIs... Forum

[Mindy621_xoxo]

So, in 2007 (I was 17) I received my first DUI. I had addressed this situation (and what I've learned from it) in my rough draft personal statement. Unfortunately, I receved DUI number two in December 2011. I was actually pulled over for tailgaing my boyfriend and blew a .085. It was (and still is) a shitty situtaion, but I did learn other lessons from it, that aren't particularily drinking related. For instance, it taught me how to be more independent by forcing me to live on my own (by choice-- AZ is not very public-transportation friendly unless you live in Tempe or Phoenix and my classes I needed weren't available online and I didn't want to chance it for next semester, in case they weren't offered). This is good, since I am 80% likely to go OUT of state. Also, at the time of my arrest, I actually had a better (if not the best) GPA than previous semesters. So maybe I can ellaborate on that as well? My question though it: Should I address this in my personal statement, or should I completely void them in my PS and make a seperate addendum for the DUI arrests?

[sparty99]

So, in 2007 (I was 17) I received my first DUI. I had addressed this situation (and what I've learned from it) in my rough draft personal statement. Unfortunately, I receved DUI number two in December 2011. I was actually pulled over for tailgaing my boyfriend and blew a .085. It was (and still is) a shitty situtaion, but I did learn other lessons from it, that aren't particularily drinking related. For instance, it taught me how to be more independent by forcing me to live on my own (by choice-- AZ is not very public-transportation friendly unless you live in Tempe or Phoenix and my classes I needed weren't available online and I didn't want to chance it for next semester, in case they weren't offered). This is good, since I am 80% likely to go OUT of state. Also, at the time of my arrest, I actually had a better (if not the best) GPA than previous semesters. So maybe I can ellaborate on that as well? My question though it: Should I address this in my personal statement, or should I completely void them in my PS and make a seperate amendum for the DUI arrests?

A seperate addendum......Two DUI's sounds horrible and will raise many flags.

[rinkrat19]

Two DUIs is pretty bad, and you can't even make the argument that you've learned from mistakes in the distant past because the 2nd incident wasn't so distant.

All you can do is disclose in an addendum. A murderer got into Tulane. DUIs might hurt you a little but you'll get in some places. I hope you don't have anything else worse than speeding tickets on your record.

Check with the bar association for the state(s) where you would like to practice. Some states are more strict than others about what they'll accept.

And for the love of Christ, STOP DRINKING AND DRIVING. This is not at all difficult.

[YankeesFan]

My question though it: Should I address this in my personal statement, or should I completely void them in my PS and make a seperate addendum for the DUI arrests?

I would change your PS. I think it would come off as insincere to say that you learned your lesson after your first DUI and then forgot those lessons 4 years later. Or at least write about how you learned your lesson after your second one.

And for the love of God, STOP DRINKING AND DRIVING

[dresden doll]

Two DUIs is pretty bad, and you can't even make the argument that you've learned from mistakes in the distant past because the 2nd incident wasn't so distant.

All you can do is disclose in an addendum. A murderer got into Tulane. DUIs might hurt you a little but you'll get in some places. I hope you don't have anything else worse than speeding tickets on your record.

Check with the bar association for the state(s) where you would like to practice. Some states are more strict than others about what they'll accept.

And for the love of Christ, STOP DRINKING AND DRIVING. This is not at all difficult.

The bar is exceedingly unlikely to exclude her for her DIUs. Lawyers are degenerate alcoholics.

[justonemoregame]

I wouldn't even attempt to make excuses for this. You have to disclose, of course, but I would do so in the shortest possible way, with no commentary whatsoever. And if there is any legit way to disclose without including the term "2011," while still being forthcoming, I would consider doing that.

In your PS, try to illustrate sound judgment and maturity.

[bobbypin]

I agree with the above answers. Write a completely different personal statement. Highlight your maturity and hard work.

Addendum for the DUIs. Be sure to highlight drug/alcohol treatment to show you have learned your lesson this time. And don't tell them the 2nd was a shitty situation. You chose to drive after drinking regardless of the reason. Take responsibility.