I thought Cali Schools only asked for convictions? Forum

[Mr. T]

I was looking through some of my Cali school apps (Thomas Jeff, Cal Western) and they both ask:

" Have you been arrested, charged, indicted, convicted, paid restitution, or served probation in leau of any of the following: being charged, being prosecuted, or entering a plea (whether a plea of guilty or no contest)? You need not include parking tickets...."

I've read this about ten times and can't see where this would only include convictions. I thought the California schools could ONLY ask for convictions....any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Mr. T]

Someone has to have an answer for this....

[sarahh]

I looked at the applications for the California schools I applied to and they only ask for convictions.

Looking on-line, I found this:
No employer, whether a public agency or private individual or corporation, shall ask an applicant for employment to disclose, through any written form or verbally, information concerning an arrest or detention that did not result in conviction. Cal. Labor Code §432.7(a).

I do not know if this applies to law schools though.

[Mr. T]

Yes, but in regards to the specific wording I initially posted in quotations in my original post......is that asking for more than convictions? Or, am I simply miss reading it? As mentioned, I've read this now well over ten times and just can't seem to come to an answer.

SOMEONE PLEASE READ IT AND RESPOND! THANKS!

[ArchRoark]

It seems to me it is asking for more then convictions (arrests etc).

[StrictlyLiable]

I'm sorry, but I do not see how you could be confused? It says "indicted or charged" so I think that entails more than ONLY convictions.

[Teoeo]

Uh, yes, it says so explicitly... An arrest is not a conviction (for example)

[Mr. T]

I understand - what threw me a curve was the wording "...in leau of any of the following: being charged, being prosecuted, or entering a plea (whether a plea of guilty or no contest)? "

[paratactical]

It seems to me it is asking for more then convictions (arrests etc).

+1

I looked at the applications for the California schools I applied to and they only ask for convictions.

Looking on-line, I found this:
No employer, whether a public agency or private individual or corporation, shall ask an applicant for employment to disclose, through any written form or verbally, information concerning an arrest or detention that did not result in conviction. Cal. Labor Code §432.7(a).

I do not know if this applies to law schools though.

Unfortunately, law schools do not employ their students. This has been discussed elsewhere and the conclusion that seems to be reached is that while employers are often restricted in certain states, the Bar Association and law schools are private professional groups and not your direct employers. You wouldn't have to disclose these items to a law firm in CA where you were seeking employment, but the standards for the Bar, and thus, for law schools, is different.

[paratactical]

I understand - what threw me a curve was the wording "...in leau of any of the following: being charged, being prosecuted, or entering a plea (whether a plea of guilty or no contest)? "

You're cutting it off early--the full quote is "probation in leau of any of the following", the following being what you got out of in exchange for probation.

[etown989]

Univ of San Diego even wants speeding tickets

[Marionberry]

Admissions offices have phone numbers that you can call and ask questions like this. You don't have to give them your name, and you can even talk in a funny/different voice if you want. The staff will be happy to tell you what their application asks for.

[Mr. T]

Yea, I think a phone call is best. Thanks for all the help, everyone!