166 LSAT 3.58 GPA, Criminal Dismissal Forum

[fealy21]

I would like to know if anyone has previously gotten into law schools with a criminal charge that has been dismissed. I have a 3.58 gpa, 166 LSAT but was charges with a gross misdemeanor that was dismissed. Has anyone else experienced this and gotten into law school/ state bar association?

I"m panicking and don't know if I should give up law school dreams because I may not get into schools/ bar associations due to the charge even though it was dismissed.

[Trogdor]

Yes, and I had a worse GPA and charge (that got dismissed) than you.

[Dcc617]

Does any law school even ask about dismissals? I can’t imagine it would be relevant unless it was something like a deferred prosecution or something. Also does your state not do expungements?

[Trogdor]

Does any law school even ask about dismissals? I can’t imagine it would be relevant unless it was something like a deferred prosecution or something. Also does your state not do expungements?

Yes, law schools and state bars both ask about dismissals. Even if you get an expungement, most state bars require you to disclose.

[Dcc617]

Does any law school even ask about dismissals? I can’t imagine it would be relevant unless it was something like a deferred prosecution or something. Also does your state not do expungements?

Yes, law schools and state bars both ask about dismissals. Even if you get an expungement, most state bars require you to disclose.

I don’t think that’s true.

[Trogdor]

Does any law school even ask about dismissals? I can’t imagine it would be relevant unless it was something like a deferred prosecution or something. Also does your state not do expungements?

Yes, law schools and state bars both ask about dismissals. Even if you get an expungement, most state bars require you to disclose.

I don’t think that’s true.

Lol.. ok. I literally went through this whole process.

[nixy]

Does any law school even ask about dismissals? I can’t imagine it would be relevant unless it was something like a deferred prosecution or something. Also does your state not do expungements?

Yes, law schools and state bars both ask about dismissals. Even if you get an expungement, most state bars require you to disclose.

I don’t think that’s true.

I think a lot of jurisdictions ask about arrests, which would presumably precede a dismissal.

(but OP, I'm sure it won't keep you out of law school.)

Edit: This is the current question on my state's bar app (no idea how many states ask this, but my state doesn't have a reputation for being particularly tough):

Regardless of whether the record has been sealed, expunged, canceled or annulled have you ever been investigated, detained, arrested, cited for, charged with, or convicted, imprisoned, placed on probation or parole or forfeited collateral for any offense against the law or ordinance? Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, sealed, subject to a diversion or a deferred prosecution.

Can't access my law school's application, but law schools usually ask about the stuff that the local state bar asks about (or that the state bars where most grads practice ask about).

[Dcc617]

Probably varies state by state. I don't recall any law school apps asking about dismissals. In fact I think a few specifically said not to divulge if the case had been expunged.

I guess some state bars are terrible enough to ask about expunged cases. I can't remember if mine did, but it's been a few years.

OP, the case was dismissed so I don't think it will impact admissions. Still get it expunged/sealed if you can.