How to Inform Law School About Arrest Forum

[GatorBait09]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. Would it be appropriate for me to go in person to discuss this event with an administrator or should I just keep it simple and write a letter? I think it would be more to my advantage to talk to someone face-to-face as they would be able to get a better sense of the person behind the charges. But I don't really know if that is something people in my situation do.

[toptwin]

Let me preface this by saying read the entire post before you respond.

Two months ago I was arrested for simple battery: touch or strike (first degree misdemeanor) and obstructing justice interfering in the investigation of a misdemeanor hinder/delay communication to LEO (third degree felony). The State dropped the hinder/delay charge and filed charges for the battery and added trespass after warning: structure or conveyance (second degree misdemeanor).

I entered a plea of not guilty to both charges and a request for jury trial. Without going into the ridiculous details of what happened, I didn't do what I am accused of doing and the end result is going to be all charges being dropped. I should clarify: there is no deferred prosecution, no plea deal, nothing. The state attorney took me out to lunch the other day to get my side of the story and has decided not to prosecute (he actually might prosecute her instead).

So my question is, what exactly do I tell my law school? Obviously I know I have to disclose this incident, but what should I expect to give them in terms of paperwork, information, etc.?

Thanks for any help.

In California you can petition for an arrest record sealing, but you must prove that you are factually innocent. If you are able to do so, you can seal and destroy your records. At that point, you can say without limitation to anyone that you were never arrested for the charge. PM if you want to know more, I work for a firm in California that specializes in this sort of stuff. (EDIT) If it is Florida (as someone earlier posted), then a LOT of agencies can see it and you should just be honest. I dont think simply answering a yes would serve your needs here, you should answer and explain.

[HBK]

On a side note, with the interest justonequestion has in whether or not expunged records have to be disclosed, I have just one question: justonequestion, what crime are you afraid the school and bar are going to discover?

[GatorBait09]

Just wanted to re-post this hoping for a response:

Thanks for all of the help everyone. Would it be appropriate for me to go in person to discuss this event with an administrator or should I just keep it simple and write a letter? I think it would be more to my advantage to talk to someone face-to-face as they would be able to get a better sense of the person behind the charges. But I don't really know if that is something people in my situation do.

[flexityflex86]

I think it depends on the wording of the question.

I once got a disorderly conduct ticket for arguing with a police officer about what I considered harassing of my friend. I argued what happened before a judge who dismissed the ticket, and agreed I acted within my full legal rights.

On every school, I felt the wording was asking for cases that were dismissed/unwarranted, I disclosed it. I don't think it influenced my cycle.

If this does influence your cycle, and somebody lied - if you can show this is >50% likely why you were rejected, you can sue.

Shit didn't realize this is a year old.