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Prelawtiger wrote:I have two ugly red flags on my application, though neither resulted in a conviction. I disclosed both on my applications, but was pretty vague in my descriptions. I basically put the charge, that it was dismissed or whatever, and when it happened.

Now one school has asked for clarification on the events:

So here's what happened. In charge #1, it was back in 2005, so I'm pretty far removed from it now (thankfully). I was arrested and charged with forgery. A friend of mine had told me to take a check from his check book and write it to myself for what he owed me. With my need and my knowledge that he was rich as shit, I took additional checks, hoping that he would not notice and that I could put the money back in his account before anyone figured it out.

19 at the time, and really immature. Was in financial trouble, and I made a stupid mistake. The bank figured it out, they immediately called the cops, my friend wasn't given any option before I was arrested. Terrible situation and I paid back the money that day, my friend's family asked that the charges be dropped, and they were before I had to go to trial or get a lawyer or anything.


Then 2 years ago, I had a lot of trouble with an ex-girlfriend. Did not handle a breakup well at all, and was arrested for "harassment" for trying to communicate with her through instant message. I didn't curse at her, or threaten her, or anything like that. I just didn't like getting broken up with via text message after a year, and I stupidly wouldn't leave it alone. The police showed up at my door and arrested me for harassment because of the internet contact and trespassing because I had gone to her apartment to try and talk to her.

I ended up taking the pre-trial intervention option here, just so I wouldn't have to risk anything and I could put it behind me. It was a pretty complicated situation because there was contact from a lot of different people during the whole ordeal...and the gal still had a key to my house so I had a legitimate right to speak with her. But the police did not see it that way, and it was certainly my fault.

So, how much of this do I disclose. They wanted clarification, but I'm not wanting to give out every single detail.

Also, considering I don't have any convictions or anything, is this going to hurt me bad in admissions?

Thanks in advance.

phoenix323 wrote:

Prelawtiger wrote:I have two ugly red flags on my application, though neither resulted in a conviction. I disclosed both on my applications, but was pretty vague in my descriptions. I basically put the charge, that it was dismissed or whatever, and when it happened.

Now one school has asked for clarification on the events:

So here's what happened. In charge #1, it was back in 2005, so I'm pretty far removed from it now (thankfully). I was arrested and charged with forgery. A friend of mine had told me to take a check from his check book and write it to myself for what he owed me. With my need and my knowledge that he was rich as shit, I took additional checks, hoping that he would not notice and that I could put the money back in his account before anyone figured it out.

19 at the time, and really immature. Was in financial trouble, and I made a stupid mistake. The bank figured it out, they immediately called the cops, my friend wasn't given any option before I was arrested. Terrible situation and I paid back the money that day, my friend's family asked that the charges be dropped, and they were before I had to go to trial or get a lawyer or anything.


Then 2 years ago, I had a lot of trouble with an ex-girlfriend. Did not handle a breakup well at all, and was arrested for "harassment" for trying to communicate with her through instant message. I didn't curse at her, or threaten her, or anything like that. I just didn't like getting broken up with via text message after a year, and I stupidly wouldn't leave it alone. The police showed up at my door and arrested me for harassment because of the internet contact and trespassing because I had gone to her apartment to try and talk to her.

I ended up taking the pre-trial intervention option here, just so I wouldn't have to risk anything and I could put it behind me. It was a pretty complicated situation because there was contact from a lot of different people during the whole ordeal...and the gal still had a key to my house so I had a legitimate right to speak with her. But the police did not see it that way, and it was certainly my fault.

So, how much of this do I disclose. They wanted clarification, but I'm not wanting to give out every single detail.

Also, considering I don't have any convictions or anything, is this going to hurt me bad in admissions?

Thanks in advance.

Since they are asking for further details, I would provide them with as much information as possible. Did they ask for the police reports?

I don't know how the harassment charge will affect your applications, but I think the forgery charge might hurt you, especially considering your rationale for doing it. This is a situation that really calls your ethics into question and I can see it coming up during C&F. I would write a thoughtful addendum explaining the situation and what you have done to improve yourself since then (community service, etc.). But do make sure you express remorse, because in this post you don't appear to seem sorry for stealing your friends checks. If you have the same nonchalance in your addendum, it may hurt your further. Hth.

Also, it's always a good idea to call the Bar in the state where you want to practice and ask them if this charge will affect your ability to be admitted to the Bar.

Best of luck.

blahblah blah222 wrote:you sound pretty shady and creepy to me

jks289 wrote:I think that you should tell them what you've told us. I'd imagine what they want to know is the nature of the harassment (ie non-violent) and the extent of the theft and forgery charges. Considering they already know you have this on your record, both of your answers are not as bad as you might expect after seeing the vague description. Especially the harassment charge seems innocuous, and while the theft is stupid it was a single event of incredibly poor judgment. I think you're doing yourself a favor to be more open.