Arrest Addendum Question Forum

[KowboysUp]

I was arrested for possession of a space with a controlled substance in it. That controlled substance was Marijuana.

The reason for the wordy charge, rather than just possession was that I plead no contest on the advice of my lawyer. There is now no record as to whether I was in possession of the Marijuana or it was found in the car I was driving which belonged to someone else (was driving my mother's car, got pulled over for a headlight, the police officer smelled it), and that was really the point of my no contest plea and the very expensive lawyer I hired.

So my question is, should I just say that I was charged with this offense, that I learned from it and have matured and moved on, or should I admit the truth of the matter, that it was in fact mine and I was in fact in possession of it?

Thanks

[Neelio]

I think you just take the hit (no pun intended) and let them know what happened. I don't think it will stop you from getting into any schools. Just be honest.

[KowboysUp]

I guess I'll just post up the addendum I'm working on so far. This is a complete draft feel free to tear it apart. I tried to stick to just the relevant details and keep it as concise as possible:

My past disciplinary/legal record includes being written up for underage drinking in dormitories during my sophomore year of college at ________, an arrest for possession of a space with a controlled substance in it, and a civil infraction for buying alcohol for minors, in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

I attended BASICS training for underage drinking along with paying a small fine to the University. The BASICS program put some of the dangers of excessive drinking into perspective, especially while underage and on University property. I learned from this incident and have not, nor will ever, have any similar incidents.

I was arrested in the state of New Hampshire and charged with possession of a space with a controlled substance in it when a police officer found Marijuana in a car I was driving during a routine traffic stop for a headlight issue. The marijuana did belong to me, and I regret my immaturity for possessing it in the first place, and deciding to bring it in a vehicle. I plead no contest to the charges and was asked to pay a fine.

Lastly, I was charged with providing alcohol to minors in civil court and asked to complete 40 hours of community service for any non profit organization. Though the incidents vary in their seriousness, all three taught me a lot about myself and my limits, and I have matured significantly since my last infraction. I am determined to make up for my past indiscretions, but that journey can only be undertaken one day at a time.

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Too contrite, not enough, what does everyone think?

[littlebit]

I believe the more important issue to address is the number of charges, especially the one in 2009. You are going to have to convince admissions that you have changed your ways. IMO, this addendum does not do that. You might want to get some help with how to present this in a way to make someone take a chance on you. I hope you have great stats. Good luck

[Neelio]

I guess I'll just post up the addendum I'm working on so far. This is a complete draft feel free to tear it apart. I tried to stick to just the relevant details and keep it as concise as possible:

My past disciplinary/legal record includes being written up for underage drinking in dormitories during my sophomore year of college at ________, an arrest for possession of a space with a controlled substance in it, and a civil infraction for buying alcohol for minors, in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

I attended BASICS training for underage drinking along with paying a small fine to the University. The BASICS program put some of the dangers of excessive drinking into perspective, especially while underage and on University property. I learned from this incident and have not, nor will ever, have any similar incidents.

I was arrested in the state of New Hampshire and charged with possession of a space with a controlled substance in it when a police officer found Marijuana in a car I was driving during a routine traffic stop for a headlight issue. The marijuana did belong to me, and I regret my immaturity for possessing it in the first place, and deciding to bring it in a vehicle. I plead no contest to the charges and was asked to pay a fine.

Lastly, I was charged with providing alcohol to minors in civil court and asked to complete 40 hours of community service for any non profit organization. Though the incidents vary in their seriousness, all three taught me a lot about myself and my limits, and I have matured significantly since my last infraction. I am determined to make up for my past indiscretions, but that journey can only be undertaken one day at a time.

-----

Too contrite, not enough, what does everyone think?

I think it's fine the way it is. The applications don't ask you to list the charges you've faced and explain how they've changed you. They only ask for a description of charges. That's what you've given. If you feel the need to address these charges in further detail, I think you should do it in your PS. If not, and you feel the rest of your application is strong- send as is. it get's the job done, and doesn't attempt to create any sympathy from the adcomm. that's just my opinion.

[Chairman]

Why not just make it as simple as possible? As it is now, it's hard to quickly tell the what and when of each incident. IMO, you don't want to leave any room for questioning what actually happened, but you don't want to give any details that aren't necessary; if someone were to pull the court records, the details in the addendum should match exactly.

Why not list it as:

date -- description of incident, charge, result, "I'm sorry and won't do it again"

[KowboysUp]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone. Anyone else?

All due respect littlebit, even I think you're over-reacting a little bit, and I'm the one freaking out here! Someone take a chance on me? Better have great numbers? Am I missing something or have I never been charged with anything above a misdemeanor?

Anyway, I'm applying to Northeastern, BU, Suffolk, NESL, and U Miami as of now, so none of these schools are looking for absolutely perfect applicnats, I think I have a chance with at least the last three I mentioned with a 3.63 and a 159 right?

[Neelio]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone. Anyone else?

All due respect littlebit, even I think you're over-reacting a little bit, and I'm the one freaking out here! Someone take a chance on me? Better have great numbers? Am I missing something or have I never been charged with anything above a misdemeanor?

Anyway, I'm applying to Northeastern, BU, Suffolk, NESL, and U Miami as of now, so none of these schools are looking for absolutely perfect applicnats, I think I have a chance with at least the last three I mentioned with a 3.63 and a 159 right?

You're going to be just fine... this website increases paranoia. I am a regular poster now, but before TLS my life was much easier. Don't fret.