criminal probation Forum

[dytmomx3]

So I'll just put it out there. I'm on non-reporting probation for 5 years until 2021 (non-reporting usually terminates within a couple of years). It is from a misdemeanor, I was found guilty after a bench trial. Specifically, telecommunications harassment- I was pregnant, the dad wanted an abortion, I did not, so he hated me, said a kid would ruin his life blah blah blah, then he broke it off, had the police call me to tell me the relationship was over and we were not to communicate, and I sent him a text message asking him to reconsider communicating with me and be civil regarding the baby. Any way, jump to today, baby is almost 1 year old, dad's not involved (big time lawyer in town, so, everyone loves him, except the kid he has never met, )... any way, there's the details. Obviously I have to disclose this... how on earth do I go about it? Will I automatically land in the denial pile due to the "non-reporting" probation status? Or will they at least try to consider the circumstances? I have written an addendum.. and I realize I need to admit that I did something wrong (although at the time in my heart I thought I was doing what was right for my child). Do I say that? Or do I just simply state the facts not how I felt, not why I did it, etc. HELP Also - please don't sugar coat. I can handle it. Law school was always in my plan right at this time, so I'm just persevering and not giving up.. all I can do is try my hardest and that's just what I'm doing. I won't know whether they would accept me or not unless I give it a shot.

[kellyfrost]

As you have stated, you need to disclose the charge and the fact that you are on probation. The application will likely ask you to do an addendum, simply state the basic facts of the charge, that you were found guilty, and what your sentence was. You do not need to get into all of the details of how you felt, why you did it, and what kind of injustice you feel it is. All of this stuff will not matter because this isn't a serious character and fitness issue. It will not automatically get you dumped into a "denial" pile based upon this alone. Nor will the fact that you are on non-reporting probation.

Although I understand your anxiety around it, I wouldn't be too concerned about this. People get admitted into law school and are admitted to practice law every single year who have more serious and numerous criminal charges and character and fitness issues. The most important thing for you to do is disclose with honesty. This alone will not keep you from law school.

[dytmomx3]

Thanks @kellyfrost. In writing the addendum I felt like I was retrying the case.. explaining that my intent was not to harass but I do realize I did something wrong (and that is the truth so it's not hard for me to do it). I fucked up, I shouldn't have contacted him after being told not to by authority. And I'm so afraid it's cost me my goals. I also have a juvenile record to disclose, that's 10 years old. In reviewing my addenda I'm thinking I went overboard with explaining these events. Is it not necessary to explain WHY I did something? Rather, just say I did xxcrime on xxday and was sentenced to xxsanctions then end of story, move to next one. ?

[kellyfrost]

Thanks @kellyfrost. In writing the addendum I felt like I was retrying the case.. explaining that my intent was not to harass but I do realize I did something wrong (and that is the truth so it's not hard for me to do it). I fucked up, I shouldn't have contacted him after being told not to by authority. And I'm so afraid it's cost me my goals. I also have a juvenile record to disclose, that's 10 years old. In reviewing my addenda I'm thinking I went overboard with explaining these events. Is it not necessary to explain WHY I did something? Rather, just say I did xxcrime on xxday and was sentenced to xxsanctions then end of story, move to next one. ?

Yes, I think that should be sufficient. If they require more information or want more information then they will ask for follow up. I don't see this hindering your life or career goals as long as you are upfront and disclose.

[dytmomx3]

Thanks, I appreciate your input.

[encore1101]

I think you can include the "why" part as a single portion of a sentence, but don't get too much into it.

"Despite the order telling me to refrain from communicating with my ex, I sent a text message to ask him to reconsider and a part of our child's life."

Other than that, there's no need to go too in depth with it. I agree with kellyfrost that this doesn't sound like huge red flag, especially with your acknowledgement and acceptance of fault.

[dytmomx3]

All right, I agree, thanks. If they want more detail, I suppose they'll ask. I know I shouldn't give more than what is asked, I thought about mentioning that I can provide further detail if needed but then I think maybe I should keep in my mind that yeah of course they know I would provide more detail. I have a private tour set up with my top choice school, I really want to give them a personal impression rather than what is on paper because it is not very appealing, & I can't help but be very anxious about the possible implications. My top choice school's character and fitness question(s) indicate to give all details on the incident(s) including events leading up to the charge, although I suppose that does not ask me "why" I did it. I totally need to rewrite my addenda, or omit part of the paragraph(s).

[EnfieldTennisChamp]

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[dytmomx3]

My GPA also suffered significantly during the summer of 2015 when all of this happened. So I look pretty rough on paper just from that 2015 summer. Everything's pretty great before and after that, I just hope it doesn't stick out like the sore thumb it is.. I certainly don't want to embellish (as mentioned above) nor minimize the incident. Thanks for the feedback guys, I feel a bit relieved .. having shared it for one thing but also having some positive feedback.