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I'm nervous about an underage drinking violation and a DUI from roughly 4yrs ago. I did submit an addendum. Any encouragement is appreciated.

I just submitted an application today with two addenda, one explaining my DUI/MIP/fake ID charge from freshman year (five years ago), and the second explaining my one year probation from the school (directly related to the criminal charge, not a separate time). I'll let you know how it goes. Last year, when I was first going through applications and asking for advice, I received mostly positive responses when I asked the same question. Many told me that a single instance that occurred a few years ago would not hinder an application as long as I disclosed all details and made sure to explain that it was not a reflection of my true character (which is easy to BS and nearly impossible to distinguish from the rare sincere story). Drug charges would most likely be a little different, but this was the general response for the alcohol charges I received.

Edit: This advice was given to me when I asked the question geared toward UGA, Emory, and Vandy. I would imagine that the T-14 are a little stricter.

What is done is done. If it does get you dinged somewhere there isn't really thing you can do about it now. Good luck to you though.

Thanks for the positive words, folks.

I don't know how high you are aiming, but I have two drug arrests (one from 7 years ago, one from when I was 13) and I got into two schools so far this cycle with no issue. Just be honest and leave them with the sense you learned from your mistake.

I had a DUI in 2004 and was cited for failure to prove financial responsibility (i.e.: no insurance). The second charge was dismissed. I have disclosed these and a handful of other traffic violations (mostly speeding, only when required). So far, I have been admitted to three of the seven schools to which I have applied. I have not yet heard from the remaining four. One of these schools in a top 50 school.

I went so far as to contact the supreme court in the state I would ideally like to practice upon graduation. They indicated that a DUI charge would not be a serious stumbling block to bar admission. I hope this helps!

DocHawkeye wrote:I went so far as to contact the supreme court in the state I would ideally like to practice upon graduation. They indicated that a DUI charge would not be a serious stumbling block to bar admission. I hope this helps!

When talking to a few older, practicing lawyers, I received a response from all of them that was something along these lines: If a DUI kept you from being a lawyer, there would be a lot less of them in the world. I know it was somewhat of a joke, but most acknowledged the stereotypical alcoholism of lawyers and said a DUI in undergrad should not be a problem. These guys were old school Southern lawyers.