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Posted: **Thu Jun 09, 2016 4:12 pm**

dddddd90 wrote:Just wanted to get everyone's opinion on my TLS chances.

My profile:
UGPA: 3.75 @ t10.
Currently completing master's degree in Ethics/Theology @ t15.
Considering Christian ordination.
TFA alum.
Took June 16 LSAT, so still waiting on scores, but I was PTesting at 170+.

My criminal background:
-Underage alcohol consumption. Teen court diversion program. Never charged and records are sealed (2007).
-Possession of Stolen Property & Resist/Delay/Obstruct. Stole a parking sign while drunk, dropped it and ran when I saw an officer. Received a deferred prosecution (never "charged" or convicted) (2008).
- False fire alarm. I was blackout drunk, got in an argument with some friends while camping about fire safety, decided to "prank" them by reporting an unsafe fire to police. By far the dumbest thing I've ever done. I got charge stacked: police charged me with Obstruction of Justice, False report of a misdemeanor, Minor in Possession, false report to a police radio station, and false fire alarm. I pled guilty to false fire alarm and rest were dismissed. This happened in 2011 and I've been "good" since. I quit drinking (I had a problem) and I haven't gotten in any trouble, done a lot of community service since.

Do y'all think these incidents will significantly impact my admit file or C&F process? I know the third one makes me look really, really bad, but it was a long time ago and I seriously had no clue what I was doing at the time bc I was so drunk. If I were to go to LS, it will have been 9 years since I was in any trouble before I apply to the bar.

No. These all seem like incidents of very poor judgment but people have been admitted which much more serious crimes. I would just disclose everything and be upfront. Admit your wrong doing and tell them what you've learned and how you have moved past it.

Posted: **Thu Jun 09, 2016 4:16 pm**

Posted: **Thu Jun 09, 2016 4:18 pm**

It's going to depend on the state so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. Ultimately, I think you'll be alright because of the span of time that has gone by since your last incident. Seriously, though, if anything happens between now and C&F it will be a different story because you won't be able to play the whole 'I've changed' card.

Check the bar admission requirements for the states you're interested in. Requirements will vary (eg., some states may require an informal or formal hearing with your past charges but others will let you slide because of the amount of time that has passed) but make sure you're aware of what they are. Disclose it all when you apply, and although I may be different than others on this, I think you should disclose it all regardless of whether the application asks for it all. If you're going to have to disclose it to the bar it will simply look better that you disclosed it to the school.

Again, though, I think you'll be alright. Write an addendum and keep it short and sweet. Say what happened and don't make excuses. Something like:

One this date x happened. I was arrested and charged with x/never charged. I completed all required obligations. Nothing has happened in the x years since.

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