Criminal record and law school... Forum

[The Agitator]

akriss do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds? If at any point you are arrested for public-pissing I think you must necessarily re-evaluate more than your law school chances. I know the circumstances are somewhat mitigating, but there surely must have been a porta-potty in the vicinity given the nature of the setting.

Akriss, I don't know how the case will affect your applications, but don't listen to the people on this board who think the fact that you peed outside (which most human beings do) means that you have to reevaluate your career choices.

Seeing as your arrest was recent I would say this bodes poorly for you. I also think contesting the claims might POSSIBLY be viewed in a negative light - law schools tend to like repentance (and learning!) in addition to distance (and maturation).

I don't think it bodes poorly for you, but I think you should just plead guilty to the Public Intoxication and see if you can get your lawyer to bump the "Outraging Public Decency" charge down to Public Urination, if there is such a thing. You really can never fight Public Intoxication charges - it's almost always up to the discretion of the officer what that means, so that you are liable to be prosecuted for it anytime you step out of your home slightly buzzed.

Ask your lawyer about it. Tell him your priority is not just "getting off the hook" but having the best result for your law school applications. These goals are different.

[akriss]

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[The Agitator]

... how about the Public Intox infraction? It really was BS circumstances (i was never given a sobriety test and never read my rights when I was arrested)

It doesn't matter. Most PI laws are simply left up to the discretion of the officer - if he thinks you "look" drunk, you're stuck. They might plea it down but it isn't really possible to beat it.

[akriss]

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[The Agitator]

Don't worry, fess up, and just take care of it. This might affect your reaches, where your only chance to get in anyway is catching an adcomm on a good day where he/she says, "Eh, we got some room. Let'em in."

This is not a big deal in the scheme of things. Besides the charges, what does it come down to that you did? You peed, and you were drunk. These aren't earth shattering moral transgressions. Be repentant, but keep that in context, especially when dealing with the trumped up term "outraging moral decency" or whatever the hell that is.

[orangeswarm]

A lot of people who do not have any sort of criminal history find it hard to believe that certain criminal infractions will have little effect on your applications. I would go as far as to say that the minimal impact of a criminal records on LS applications makes many people mad, as they feel it is unjust and unfair to them. Because of that, they will tell you how awful you are, how you should reevaluate your goals, and how you are doomed to rejections from any reputable school.

Truth is, as long as you explain your situation and how you learned from your mistakes, your past infractions will have little to no effect on your applications (especially with two very trivial infractions like yours). At the most, you may get a waitlist or two where your numbers would suggest an acceptance. Maybe apply to a couple extra schools, but certainly don't loose sleep over it.

[akriss]

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[lawduck]

Akriss, I don't know how the case will affect your applications, but don't listen to the people on this board who think the fact that you peed outside (which most human beings do) means that you have to reevaluate your career choices.

It was a joke. Notice the hyperbole and the "In serious answer to your question" that followed?

Sheesh.

[The Agitator]

Lawduck,

My sincere apologies. As a sarcastic man like yourself, one of my main beefs with the rise of the internet and text messaging is the inability to properly convey sarcasm.

[hiphopcoolboy]

1

[kritiosboy]

In your Criminal Offense Addendum, explain that you were charged with petty theft and that in court, the judge reduced the sentence. Do not try to be deceptive, as it will have no effect on your admissions cycle.

Explain that you were young and that the item was worth approximately $15. I don't even think you need one of those paragraphs where you explain that you are a good moral citizen, you learned, etc. Just point to the clean record ever since the incident.

Don't worry about it.

[manymistakes]

Alright, so I have a very "colorful background"

Broken home, homeless as a child, runaway, state care/ foster homes, etc...then to top it off I have a criminal record.

DUI (2006)
Marijuana under 2 oz. (2002)
Misd. A-Tampering- made a registration tag for my car (2006)
Assault Class C- (2004)
Suspended DL x 5 (2006-2008)
Various No Insurance, Registration, Inspection Tickets
Indicted for State Jail Felony-Theft(Texas)- This was dismissed because it was a contract dispute. (2009)

Grades are good, with high 160's on LSAT Diagnostics.

What's the general consensus in the likely hood of acceptance?

This is the ultimate "turn-around" story!

Since, I have been clean and clear, with no new violations.

[jack duluoz]

Alright, so I have a very "colorful background"

Broken home, homeless as a child, runaway, state care/ foster homes, etc...then to top it off I have a criminal record.

DUI (2006)
Marijuana under 2 oz. (2002)
Misd. A-Tampering- made a registration tag for my car (2006)
Assault Class C- (2004)
Suspended DL x 5 (2006-2008)
Various No Insurance, Registration, Inspection Tickets
Indicted for State Jail Felony-Theft(Texas)- This was dismissed because it was a contract dispute. (2009)

Grades are good, with high 160's on LSAT Diagnostics.

What's the general consensus in the likely hood of acceptance?

This is the ultimate "turn-around" story!

Since, I have been clean and clear, with no new violations.

since?! lol your last problem occurred this year. i dont know what your chances are. if u score in the 170s im sure u could find somewhere to take u, but youre going to have trouble sitting for the bar i would imagine. that is what u should really be worried about.