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Misdemeanor on Record: Can I still get into Law School?
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:32 pm
by reba90
This summer I was charged with criminal trespassing and public intox (long story short, I drank way too much and passed out on the couch in my old apartment: very dumb, I know). The public intox charge was dismissed, but I pleaded guilty to Criminal Tresspassing (a 4th-degree misdemeanor). I was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation, after which I can have it expunged from my record.
I have no previous run-ins with the law, and the incident was truly out of character. However, I am left to wonder: did I ruin my chances at getting into Law School? Particularly those in the top-100? I will be applying to schools this winter.
Any insight would be much appreciated
-Thank you
Re: Misdemeanor on Record: Can I still get into Law School?
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:49 pm
by TopHatToad
Despite how recent your charges were, it should be fine. Be completely upfront about it on your applications, accept full responsibility (that is, don't blame it on bad luck or circumstances), and try to demonstrate remorse and general transformation since. If the sincerity is apparent, it should affect your applications very little to not at all.
Re: Misdemeanor on Record: Can I still get into Law School?
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:59 am
by Nova
Re: Misdemeanor on Record: Can I still get into Law School?
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:19 pm
by Amoore114133
misdemeanors don't matter, but be sure to write a good C & F and try to get off probation as soon as possible if you even are on probation.
>>>>>>>personal experience, it's all about your numbers.
Re: Misdemeanor on Record: Can I still get into Law School?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:09 am
by buckilaw
You should be ok so long as you disclose it, this is probably addendum worthy. It might also be worth looking into the character and fitness process in the states you think you may practice in.
But be prepared to settle for Tulane.
Re: Misdemeanor on Record: Can I still get into Law School?
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 6:13 pm
by 1776
reba90 wrote:This summer I was charged with criminal trespassing and public intox (long story short, I drank way too much and passed out on the couch in my old apartment: very dumb, I know). The public intox charge was dismissed, but I pleaded guilty to Criminal Tresspassing (a 4th-degree misdemeanor). I was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation, after which I can have it expunged from my record.
I have no previous run-ins with the law, and the incident was truly out of character. However, I am left to wonder: did I ruin my chances at getting into Law School? Particularly those in the top-100? I will be applying to schools this winter.
Any insight would be much appreciated
-Thank you
It's all good. Don't worry about it.