DUI from 17 years ago with no official records on files. Forum

[chess_player]

I was 19 at the time (1995-ish) and it was my 2nd dui (both in Connecticut). My record has been clean since. When I applied for naturalization for US citizenship (in 2008) I disclosed the arrest, but could not provide additional records because the police station where I was arrested nor the main place where all records have been since transferred to, could not produce anything. It's as if it never happened.

The problem I have is that LSAC.org requires copies of the dispositions (from their application page):

If yes, enclose a copy of all court and/or police records confirming the disposition of the case, along with an essay fully explaining the circumstances (see Attachments section). Your file will remain incomplete until we receive the required documentation.

If I can't produce these records, then the file stays open. I could give them approximate dates but that's about all that I have on it. I'm afraid that if I disclose it, my application will not get sent to my prospective schools. If I don't disclose it, then somehow even though these records don't exist, the schools or the BAR will find out about it and I will be in a world of trouble. I don't know what to do.

[kalvano]

I feel like contacting LSAC on this matter would yield much more beneficial results than asking random people on an Internet message board.

[Geetar Man]

I was 19 at the time (1995-ish) and it was my 2nd dui (both in Connecticut). My record has been clean since. When I applied for naturalization for US citizenship (in 2008) I disclosed the arrest, but could not provide additional records because the police station where I was arrested nor the main place where all records have been since transferred to, could not produce anything. It's as if it never happened.

The problem I have is that LSAC.org requires copies of the dispositions (from their application page):

If yes, enclose a copy of all court and/or police records confirming the disposition of the case, along with an essay fully explaining the circumstances (see Attachments section). Your file will remain incomplete until we receive the required documentation.

If I can't produce these records, then the file stays open. I could give them approximate dates but that's about all that I have on it. I'm afraid that if I disclose it, my application will not get sent to my prospective schools. If I don't disclose it, then somehow even though these records don't exist, the schools or the BAR will find out about it and I will be in a world of trouble. I don't know what to do.

Um, have you considered including an addendum (submitting it as the documentation) explaining the situation? OR , you can go to the police station and get something signed by someone working there (possibly a "higher up") stating there is no available documentation of your case. OR possibly both...

Good luck!

[neeko]

LSAC doesn't want it, the school does. Just call them and tell them the story and see what they want you to do.

[AZWhitebread]

I had a DUI from 2002, and never had to provide any records. The apps just asked about prior convictions, and I disclosed and included an addendum about how i've changed, etc... Hasn't been a problem for me, just got my first acceptance with a full ride and expecting another one in the mail next week. Having military experience after the DUI might have helped them ignore the conviction.

[chess_player]

I'll try to get something in writing from where I was arrested to state whether they have something or not and attach is as the record. I've been getting between 146-155 on my practice exams so not sure whether I'll get accepted anyhow. Thanks for your help everyone.

[Geetar Man]

I'll try to get something in writing from where I was arrested to state whether they have something or not and attach is as the record. I've been getting between 146-155 on my practice exams so not sure whether I'll get accepted anyhow. Thanks for your help everyone.

When are you taking the test? If you're already set on February, good luck!

[UMiamiCane]

Check with the clerk of court for the county you were arrested in. They may have something on file. Many times, police departments won't have dispositions anyway- the clerk of court usually does since the disposition comes from court.

[johnpizzo]

I had one from 2009 and several schools asked for something showing about it's disposition. I didn't go to the court to get anything because I was able to satisfy them with a copy of my DMV report showing the charge and then the restoration of driving privileges. Not sure about Conn. but here in Jersey you can get a copy of your entire driving record, even the really old stuff.

Beyond that I would agree with the previous poster about just explaining it in an addendum (I did that with all of the schools) and trying to get a signed letter from the PD of the town it happened in stating that they can't produce any records.

Good luck man.

[UzerName]

I would go ahead and divulge it. Your biggest problem would be applying to your state bar, who would be pissed to find out you have some DUI's you never divulged. (There are background search companies who pull up arrests on a weekly basis, and don't remove records when something has been expunged).

A DUI form 17 years ago is seriously nothing. It should not change anything for your admissions. Go to your local court (I just pulled up something from 12 years for my bar app, and trust me, it was damn near a jaywalking ticket) and get the record, or get them to say there is no record.