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Character and Fitness question

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:18 pm
by AnonymousApplicant
Thanks all for your help.

Post removed.

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:25 pm
by MistakenGenius
Post removed.

Re: Character and Fitness question

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:29 pm
by RCSOB657
I don't know what state you're in but let me help you from the perspective of my state. Those charges weren't "dropped". You accepted diversionary punishment for them. Even if under FOS.


Also from the perspective of having my own C&R letter to write for something probably worse, every single person I have talked to working in the capacity of admitting students or bar applicants say its far better to over disclose even tiny stuff. Just own up to it, it's part of the process to show you are learning from your mistake.

Re: Character and Fitness question

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:38 pm
by AnonymousApplicant
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Re: Character and Fitness question

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:46 pm
by RCSOB657
It probably "is" as you think it is for you, I've just ran into too many folks that think things like this are 'gone' when they are 'expunged, dropped, etc.' Many times when talking to these people they say that their lawyers or whomever told them it will not be on their record anymore. Sometimes this is true, but sometimes it isn't. What is 100% true is this probably won't be on a background check ran under the standard "For employment Purposes" status check. It may show up on a background check ran under "For Criminal Justice Purposes" though. Going to LS or working in the legal field is CJ related. That is why I caution you to just be honest. This is coming from an ex-cop's perspective however, and may not at all be relevant to your situation.

I would urge you to side on caution though, what could be worse than going to a great school and it be found later and held against you for not disclosing? I am not in anyway a LS admin person. Something I would say to do is look at the C&F requirements for the State Bar you want to work in, see if they have any information or FAQs that might help. Drop an anonymous email or something, just please be careful.


Also, in your opinion what sounds better to you. "IF" your failure to disclose the DUI is found out later, or if you can show you've worked through your mistake, completed the diversion program, and in the past 3 years have never had a repeat in the pattern?

Re: Character and Fitness question

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:56 pm
by jarofsoup
Disclose. Not disclosing could get you in trouble.

Re: Character and Fitness question

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:58 pm
by RCSOB657
BTW, whatever happens good luck to you. I am also applying this fall for matriculation next fall. I 'know' I'm not getting into the schools you want to go to, but I hope you do well in them.

Re: Character and Fitness question

Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2014 9:58 am
by AnonymousApplicant
RCSOB657: Good luck to you too. Thanks for the feedback.