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So I just found out that a speeding ticket I got for 86 in a 65 is a misdemeanor that is still on my record for 2006. I just answered guilty to get it over with because I was an idiot. Is this something I should deal with? Will employers look for it? (law firms, judges, etc.)

(Not sure if this is appropriate for anonymous, so sorry if it's not)

Anonymous User wrote:So I just found out that a speeding ticket I got for 86 in a 65 is a misdemeanor that is still on my record for 2006. I just answered guilty to get it over with because I was an idiot. Is this something I should deal with? Will employers look for it? (law firms, judges, etc.)

(Not sure if this is appropriate for anonymous, so sorry if it's not)

Check if your law school's application question on arrest, convictions, and whatnot, require disclosure of misdemeanors. If it does and you have not already told them about this, make sure to update them with this information. When up for the bar, make sure to disclose on the character and fitness form where they ask for misdemeanors. Other than that, disclose when requested on any background check forms.

No one will care as long as your report and disclose it. People will care if you don't.

Edit: And yes, I do mean update the app question even if you are already in law school. At least at Cornell, we are under a continuing obligation to report any changes to our answers to this particular question even if it is graduation day.

vanwinkle wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:So I just found out that a speeding ticket I got for 86 in a 65 is a misdemeanor that is still on my record for 2006. I just answered guilty to get it over with because I was an idiot. Is this something I should deal with? Will employers look for it? (law firms, judges, etc.)

(Not sure if this is appropriate for anonymous, so sorry if it's not)

Was this an ordinary speeding ticket, or was it reckless driving? Many schools will say misdemeanors "other than minor traffic violations"; if it was just speeding, you can leave it off. Otherwise you can check with the school.

If it's a misdo, it's somewhat serious. And not all speeding is created equal. For instance, X mph over the speed limit will be presumed "reckless driving." I think when there's language that says "other than minor traffic violations," it's referring to infractions -- I don't think it'd include misdemeanors.

All in all, it's better to be safe than sorry and just report.