Colorado Application Question Clarification Forum

[hadisious]

On the CU Boulder application there is this question:

7. Have you ever been under investigation for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any crime, including misdemeanors, petty offenses, ordinance violations, or any traffic violation involving alcohol, controlled substances, injury, or death? [Yes, or No]

If the answer to 7 is yes, state full particulars, including the facts, charge, date, and disposition including fine, court costs, or other penalty, on a separate sheet. (You need not disclose this requested information if (1) the case involved a sealed or expunged juvenile proceeding; or (2) a court has sealed or expunged the record of the proceedings against you.)

I was charged with a misdemeanor but I was found not guilty in court. The charges were dropped and my records were expunged. Does this mean that I answer 'Yes' to this question, but then not send in any separate information. I feel a little uneasy answering 'Yes' without explaining I was found not guilty. Anyone else had experience with this? Should I send a question to the Office of Admissions?

[rinkrat19]

Your answer to #7 is yes, so you DO need to provide more information. Then you tell them about the charge and that you were found not guilty and it was expunged from your record. Why on earth would you answer yes and then not provide the explanation they require?

Personally, my entire criminal record consists of two traffic tickets, but I'm including a Char+Fit addendum with every application whether I have to answer yes to a school's version of that question or not. Better to err on the side of excessive disclosure than to be found out to be hiding something later on.

I'm sure they've seen applicants both charged with and convicted of worse things than whatever you were charged with.

[hadisious]

Thanks for the feedback. You ask why on earth I would say yes and then not provide the explanation.... Did you read the question in its full detail?

I'll requote it for you...

If the answer to 7 is yes, state full particulars, including the facts, charge, date, and disposition including fine, court costs, or other penalty, on a separate sheet. (You need not disclose this requested information if (1) the case involved a sealed or expunged juvenile proceeding; or (2) a court has sealed or expunged the record of the proceedings against you.)

So, with that in mind, would I just say yes without an addendum?

[theavrock]

I would just say "Yes, found not guilty and record was expunged. Short and sweet, to the point. No need to say any more than that.

[hadisious]

Sounds reasonable, however there is no room for this on the application.

So your suggesting I should send in a separate sheet that simply says, "In regards to question 7 on the application. I was found not guilty and the record was expunged."

A whole separate sheet for a one liner?

I like the idea, I just don't want it to come off as awkward or dismissive.

[rinkrat19]

Thanks for the feedback. You ask why on earth I would say yes and then not provide the explanation.... Did you read the question in its full detail?

I'll requote it for you...

If the answer to 7 is yes, state full particulars, including the facts, charge, date, and disposition including fine, court costs, or other penalty, on a separate sheet. (You need not disclose this requested information if (1) the case involved a sealed or expunged juvenile proceeding; or (2) a court has sealed or expunged the record of the proceedings against you.)

So, with that in mind, would I just say yes without an addendum?

Boy, you'd never guess that RC is my strong suit, would you?

I still might err on the side of disclosure, but they do seem to be saying you don't need to explain. Or like the next commenter says, answer yes, and include the shortest possible addendum giving no details other than 'it was expunged.'

[theavrock]

Sounds reasonable, however there is no room for this on the application.

So your suggesting I should send in a separate sheet that simply says, "In regards to question 7 on the application. I was found not guilty and the record was expunged."

A whole separate sheet for a one liner?

I like the idea, I just don't want it to come off as awkward or dismissive.

That's what I would do, but you could also call the admissions office. I'm sure they would be more than happy to direct you in the right direction. You can't be the first person confused by the wording on the app and I am sure they probably get this question a bit.