Ticket for Fare Evasion. No Offer? Forum

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 12:42 am

So I realize I may be the dumbest person of all time but unfortunately this story is true. About two months ago, I was given a ticket by a transit cop in NYC for fare evasion. The short version of what happened is that I paid my fare but then before I even entered the turnstile I realized I left something at the store I had just walked into next to the subway station. I went back to get it, and returned less than 5 mins later. Since I don't have an unlimited metro I didn't want to pay again and I looked around for a worker for help but no one was there, so I went through the emergency gate and got caught.

I thought I had a slim but non-zero pct. shot at beating it, since most people who get tickets for this actually never paid the fare and my transaction history verifies that I did, only minutes prior to receiving the ticket. The hearing officer ruled against me, however, and I then lost on appeal. Not unexpected. I obviously realize that saving $2.75 wasn't worth it and that I should have just paid the fare again. You can call me an idiot and make fun of me for my bogus rationale or thinking this defense would have worked when clearly it wouldn't. It's fine. I don't disagree.

I was given a "civil violation," though I actually have no idea what that means. It's obviously not a civil violation in the same way a parking ticket is, because if I get another one, I'm sure it will be a criminal offense, whereas you can get 10 parking tickets and not be charged criminally. But I didn't have to appear in court, and my obligation was satisfied with a $100 fine.

I am not worried about C&F for the bar (should I be?). It's my understanding that people pass with much more egregious things. But I am worried about the summer. I have a SA lined up in a top NYC firm that generally makes offers to 100%. They did a background check on me prior to this occurring, so it didn't come up. Should I bring it up? I assume another check will be done at some point and they will see this. Is it better to not say anything and get an offer and hope that they don't care when it comes up in a background check later on, or say something now which will already give them a great reason to no offer me from jumpstreet, but will preempt any issues later on?

I was going to speak to my school about it, but was waiting for the results of my appeal (I just found out I lost yesterday).

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

WhiskeynCoke · Post by **WhiskeynCoke** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:17 am

Anonymous User wrote:So I realize I may be the dumbest person of all time but unfortunately this story is true. About two months ago, I was given a ticket by a transit cop in NYC for fare evasion. The short version of what happened is that I paid my fare but then before I even entered the turnstile I realized I left something at the store I had just walked into next to the subway station. I went back to get it, and returned less than 5 mins later. Since I don't have an unlimited metro I didn't want to pay again and I looked around for a worker for help but no one was there, so I went through the emergency gate and got caught.

I thought I had a slim but non-zero pct. shot at beating it, since most people who get tickets for this actually never paid the fare and my transaction history verifies that I did, only minutes prior to receiving the ticket. The hearing officer ruled against me, however, and I then lost on appeal. Not unexpected. I obviously realize that saving $2.75 wasn't worth it and that I should have just paid the fare again. You can call me an idiot and make fun of me for my bogus rationale or thinking this defense would have worked when clearly it wouldn't. It's fine. I don't disagree.

I was given a "civil violation," though I actually have no idea what that means. It's obviously not a civil violation in the same way a parking ticket is, because if I get another one, I'm sure it will be a criminal offense, whereas you can get 10 parking tickets and not be charged criminally. But I didn't have to appear in court, and my obligation was satisfied with a $100 fine.

I am not worried about C&F for the bar (should I be?). It's my understanding that people pass with much more egregious things. But I am worried about the summer. I have a SA lined up in a top NYC firm that generally makes offers to 100%. They did a background check on me prior to this occurring, so it didn't come up. Should I bring it up? I assume another check will be done at some point and they will see this. Is it better to not say anything and get an offer and hope that they don't care when it comes up in a background check later on, or say something now which will already give them a great reason to no offer me from jumpstreet, but will preempt any issues later on?

I was going to speak to my school about it, but was waiting for the results of my appeal (I just found out I lost yesterday).

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

This has to be a flame.

In the (sad) event that it is not, no, you will not get no-offered for a fare jumper ticket. The firm will not care and will probably think you're pretty weird/neurotic if you go out of your way to tell them. The background check is to catch things like lying about your employment background or being a convicted felon.

Just to help you out, here are some other things you won't be no offered for: littering, forgetting your hall pass in grade school, wearing ugly shoes to parties, going dutch on first dates, or failing to floss every day.

Go wild kid. You're welcome.

bearsfan23 · Post by **bearsfan23** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:41 am

The answer is going to be very firm-specific so I'm not sure TLS can help you out OP.

Perhaps shoot a quick email to the managing partner to get the firm's policy on crimes such as yours? If you don't get a response, try contacting every member of the recruiting committee.

Actually, a phone call might be better than an email for highly sensitive matters like this.

Good luck OP

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:04 am

I'm not clear on exactly what you're freaking out about here and don't want to give legal advice, but based on what you said...you received a desk ticket? No crime (so nothing to show up on a criminal background check?), so your I can't imagine why your firm would care. In fact, it's exactly like parking tickets...

e: sorry about anon, this is leela.

rpupkin · Post by **rpupkin** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:49 am

If it's a V50 firm, you may have issues. I suggest submitting an addendum to your (already-accepted) job application. Make sure you focus on the steps you've taken to rehabilitate yourself in the wake of this unfortunate incident. I also suggest attaching receipts from all the recent fares you have paid for, so that the firm has evidence that you're not a recidivist. Remember: disclose everything, always.

baal hadad · Post by **baal hadad** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 6:54 am

rpupkin wrote:If it's a V50 firm, you may have issues. I suggest submitting an addendum to your (already-accepted) job application. Make sure you focus on the steps you've taken to rehabilitate yourself in the wake of this unfortunate incident. I also suggest attaching receipts from all the recent fares you have paid for, so that the firm has evidence that you're not a recidivist. Remember: disclose everything, always.

Too many opportunities for op to backslide

Op u need to just walk everywere

jbagelboy · Post by **jbagelboy** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:34 am

Lol don't be so shameful. We've all hopped the turnstyle a few times. The $100 sucks but hey, no regrets. Props on going through the whole appeal process tho.. Way more trouble than its worth probably.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 11:42 am

Anonymous User wrote:I'm not clear on exactly what you're freaking out about here and don't want to give legal advice, but based on what you said...you received a desk ticket? No crime (so nothing to show up on a criminal background check?), so your I can't imagine why your firm would care. In fact, it's exactly like parking tickets...

e: sorry about anon, this is leela.

This is OP.

I have spoken to a few people in the know and have been told it will show up on a background check. Maybe my firm won't care (not sure, and hence the thread), but they will see it.

I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat. I obviously have no idea what firms do with background checks and it isn't as if I received this ticket 10 years ago when I was a teen. It happened 2 months ago.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 11:45 am

Anonymous User wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I'm not clear on exactly what you're freaking out about here and don't want to give legal advice, but based on what you said...you received a desk ticket? No crime (so nothing to show up on a criminal background check?), so your I can't imagine why your firm would care. In fact, it's exactly like parking tickets...

e: sorry about anon, this is leela.
This is OP.

I have spoken to a few people in the know and have been told it will show up on a background check. Maybe my firm won't care (not sure, and hence the thread), but they will see it.

I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat. I obviously have no idea what firms do with background checks and it isn't as if I received this ticket 10 years ago when I was a teen. It happened 2 months ago.

If you wouldn't be this concerned about a speeding ticket, don't worry about this.

CaptainLeela · Post by **CaptainLeela** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 11:47 am

Welcome to TLS

GFox345 · Post by **GFox345** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 11:59 am

Anonymous User wrote:So I realize I may be the dumbest person of all time but unfortunately this story is true. About two months ago, I was given a ticket by a transit cop in NYC for fare evasion. The short version of what happened is that I paid my fare but then before I even entered the turnstile I realized I left something at the store I had just walked into next to the subway station. I went back to get it, and returned less than 5 mins later. Since I don't have an unlimited metro I didn't want to pay again and I looked around for a worker for help but no one was there, so I went through the emergency gate and got caught.

I thought I had a slim but non-zero pct. shot at beating it, since most people who get tickets for this actually never paid the fare and my transaction history verifies that I did, only minutes prior to receiving the ticket. The hearing officer ruled against me, however, and I then lost on appeal. Not unexpected. I obviously realize that saving $2.75 wasn't worth it and that I should have just paid the fare again. You can call me an idiot and make fun of me for my bogus rationale or thinking this defense would have worked when clearly it wouldn't. It's fine. I don't disagree.

I was given a "civil violation," though I actually have no idea what that means. It's obviously not a civil violation in the same way a parking ticket is, because if I get another one, I'm sure it will be a criminal offense, whereas you can get 10 parking tickets and not be charged criminally. But I didn't have to appear in court, and my obligation was satisfied with a $100 fine.

I am not worried about C&F for the bar (should I be?). It's my understanding that people pass with much more egregious things. But I am worried about the summer. I have a SA lined up in a top NYC firm that generally makes offers to 100%. They did a background check on me prior to this occurring, so it didn't come up. Should I bring it up? I assume another check will be done at some point and they will see this. Is it better to not say anything and get an offer and hope that they don't care when it comes up in a background check later on, or say something now which will already give them a great reason to no offer me from jumpstreet, but will preempt any issues later on?

I was going to speak to my school about it, but was waiting for the results of my appeal (I just found out I lost yesterday).

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

It's a civil violation. This is below a misdemeanor and not considered a criminal offense. You will not have a criminal record as a result of this violation. There is absolutely no way that this will be a make or break factor in any serious hiring process unless there is a carbon copy of you walking around with the exact same credentials that interviewed exactly the same way and used the same references that said the same thing. You're fine. Calm down.

rpupkin · Post by **rpupkin** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 12:01 pm

Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.

No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.

GFox345 · Post by **GFox345** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 12:07 pm

rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.
No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.

I think you're going to far. We've all been there. The prospect of getting this job clearly just means a lot to OP. The fact that the thought has crossed OP's mind is not a problem. Freaking out about it to the point that you contact the employer directly is a different story.

Arad · Post by **Arad** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 12:09 pm

This actually happened to a friend of mine... Top of his class at H, went to a V100 where both his parents were partners. Halfway through the summer, firm found out he received a ticket for jumping a subway turnstile in DC 4 years prior, and he ended up getting no offered. He hasn't been able to find a job since nor has he been able to sit for the bar due to C&F issues... Poor guy had such a bright future.

crit_racer · Post by **crit_racer** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 12:10 pm

I agree with everyone that this is not a big deal at all, but I think some of you are being a little harsh about his/her concern. 1) law students are neurotic, 2) i disagree that this is entirely comparable to a speeding ticket--it's a little different IMO, 3) I definitely don't think you can say that someone being a little freaked out means that person "lacks maturity and perspective that could create problems...." That's a little harsh.

OP, chill don't worry about it. And definitely don't take any TLS armchair psychiatrist diagnosis seriously.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 12:56 pm

rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.
No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.

OP again.

What you said doesn't sound harsh, just foolish. I think NOT showing any concern would show a lack of maturity and perspective. I haven't been freaking out about this, trust me. I haven't called anyone for advice or even told anyone about it until this thread. But I'm a 2L about to be a SA who just got a violation that is unarguably more serious than a parking ticket. Don't think it's unreasonable to pause to think about what (if any) effect this could have. FFS there is a whole thread of 2016 SAs legit posting about what type of shoes they need to buy to fit in. That is considerably more ridiculous than this thread.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:06 pm

Hey OP,

I understand your concern. I got one of these once, story similar to yours where I had a moment of being stupid. I was working on Wall Street at the time and I wasn't much concerned about it so I didn't fight it at all (though I thought I had a case), I just paid the fine and went on with life. Good on you for giving it a try, I sometimes still wish I had.

Years later I get a spot with the government and need a top clearance... filling out that damn 10 year form I get to the question, have you ever been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, etc etc or any other offense... sigh. My background was squeaky clean, not much foreign travel or any foreign contacts and I'm thinking if I get tripped up because of this fucking ticket.. I don't know what I'll do. In my case best thing to do is always disclose, even if it's nothing, and I believed it to be nothing, it's not up to you to determine that. It hurts more for them to find something than for you to tell them. My personal investigator asked me some questions about it and made me feel better by saying he didn't think it was a issue but it was a good idea to list it, hiding things is always bad (they are concerned about things you can be blackmailed for mostly). The investigator running around in the state I got the ticket in called me once to ask if I was arrested when I got this ticket (no) and where I paid it. Never heard from him again. Passed my clearance in a fairely quick timeframe. Yay!

A few years later I'm going through the process again for a top secret + clearance... get to that damn form again and shit, it's only been 8 years lol. List it or not? it wasn't a problem before. I list it to be consistent and just deal with the questions again. Personal investigator this time is like, why the fuck did you list this? lol I'm like dude, I didn't want to but I listed it before and better safe than sorry. Plus he understood that that question is worded open ended. Investigator running around in state I got the ticket interviews someone that was with me that day, never hear anything about it again and I pass my clearance.

All of that is to say I wish I had never walked through that damn turnstile or I had fought that damn ticket. Thank goodness the timeframe is up and I won't have to list that shit anymore. It hasn't caused me any problems but has given me a few moments of stress. For you OP, I wouldn't say a damn word to anyone at your firm, I've never mentioned it to private corporations I have worked at or even when onboarding with background stuff at a new place. The type of background check they do won't find it (and it doesn't matter anyway). If you have to fill out forms asking open ended questions about offenses then go ahead and list it if you want, I doubt it will cause you any issues. Good luck.

encore1101 · Post by **encore1101** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:18 pm

rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.
No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.

Damn, talk about meta

encore1101 · Post by **encore1101** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:22 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.
No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.
OP again.

What you said doesn't sound harsh, just foolish. I think NOT showing any concern would show a lack of maturity and perspective. I haven't been freaking out about this, trust me. I haven't called anyone for advice or even told anyone about it until this thread. But I'm a 2L about to be a SA who just got a violation that is unarguably more serious than a parking ticket. Don't think it's unreasonable to pause to think about what (if any) effect this could have. FFS there is a whole thread of 2016 SAs legit posting about what type of shoes they need to buy to fit in. That is considerably more ridiculous than this thread.

I actually think a speeding ticket is more serious than turnstile jumping.

Phil Brooks · Post by **Phil Brooks** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:32 pm

This whole thing was just a way for OP to humblebrag about his "top NYC firm."

Jesus Christ, prestige whores need to just GTFO already.

rpupkin · Post by **rpupkin** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:36 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.
No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.
OP again.

What you said doesn't sound harsh, just foolish. I think NOT showing any concern would show a lack of maturity and perspective. I haven't been freaking out about this, trust me. I haven't called anyone for advice or even told anyone about it until this thread. But I'm a 2L about to be a SA who just got a violation that is unarguably more serious than a parking ticket. Don't think it's unreasonable to pause to think about what (if any) effect this could have. FFS there is a whole thread of 2016 SAs legit posting about what type of shoes they need to buy to fit in. That is considerably more ridiculous than this thread.

Read your own thread title. Your question is silly.

Like I said, my comment was harsh. As others have pointed out, I probably went overboard in calling you out for your lack of perspective. But the fact that you're doubling down now makes me think you probably will have issues. The biggest problem for K-JD types like yourself is that they lack basic common sense in real-world situations.

Monochromatic Oeuvre · Post by **Monochromatic Oeuvre** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:55 pm

jbagelboy wrote:Lol don't be so shameful. We've all hopped the turnstyle a few times. The $100 sucks but hey, no regrets. Props on going through the whole appeal process tho.. Way more trouble than its worth probably.

Never done it. Struck me as dumb to do something so obvious in view of cameras/the station managers. Have seen plenty of young kids sneak under the bar, but have only seen punk-looking high schoolers actually hop the bar.

Is it that common?

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:12 pm

rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:
rpupkin wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I see everyone is trolling so that is making me feel better, but I would imagine most would be at least somewhat concerned in my seat.
No. No, they wouldn't.

This is going to sound harsh, but the thing that you should be concerned about is that you think is something that you should be concerned about. Your concern belies a lack of maturity and perspective that could create problems for you in other contexts.
OP again.

What you said doesn't sound harsh, just foolish. I think NOT showing any concern would show a lack of maturity and perspective. I haven't been freaking out about this, trust me. I haven't called anyone for advice or even told anyone about it until this thread. But I'm a 2L about to be a SA who just got a violation that is unarguably more serious than a parking ticket. Don't think it's unreasonable to pause to think about what (if any) effect this could have. FFS there is a whole thread of 2016 SAs legit posting about what type of shoes they need to buy to fit in. That is considerably more ridiculous than this thread.
Read your own thread title. Your question is silly.

Like I said, my comment was harsh. As others have pointed out, I probably went overboard in calling you out for your lack of perspective. But the fact that you're doubling down now makes me think you probably will have issues. The biggest problem for K-JD types like yourself is that they lack basic common sense in real-world situations.

This would be solid advice if:
1) I were K-JD
2) I lacked common sense or world perspective

Since neither of those apply, I will just ignore you.

Lacking knowledge about how the LEGAL world works =! lacking knowledge about how the world works. I am 28 years old. I have had several real jobs before going to law school. Law is just different. Or maybe it isn't. But in a world where I had to disclose every possible legal issue that I've been through to law schools when I applied, it seems totally reasonable to assume this might be an issue with firms. And were I to have gotten this years ago, I would have had to include it on law school apps.

Desert Fox · Post by **Desert Fox** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:19 pm

DF Thread