Can I still become a lawyer?

<p>During the first year of college, like most college students, I drank alcohol underage. My university was extremely strict and was cited for underage drinking twice. In Pennsylvania they are considered a summary offense, and apparently not a big deal. Having said this I have recently been interested in attending law school, and have heard that the bar associations can be strict. Any helpful information? Thank you.</p>

<p>It's not going to be a problem. Just disclose everything on your law school applications.</p>

<p>^TITCR. </p>

<p>Just disclose everything and you should be fine.</p>

<p>I would also make it my job not to get in any more trouble.</p>

<p>Thanks guys, that makes me feel a bit better. No more trouble in the future for me, lets say I've matured a bit...and turned 21.</p>

<p>I agree completely that you should be certain to disclose these matters on your law school application. Many states will require the disclosure of your law school applications (the law schools will send an official copy) when you are applying for the bar. The bars in different states do different levels of background checks, etc., so make sure that you disclose on your law school applications and similarly disclose when you later apply to the bar. Be consistent and be forthcoming.</p>

<p>Where you convicted in a court of underage drinking? I can't tell from your post. You only have to disclose if you are asked. I would not volunteer negative information about underage drinking unless you are asked whether you have been convicted of a crime, motor vehicle offense, etc.</p>

<p>The night i was caught i was given a citation, had to show up to a court house within 10 days, and pay 300 bucks. The officer said it was equivalent to a speeding ticket.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Where you convicted in a court of underage drinking? I can't tell from your post. You only have to disclose if you are asked. I would not volunteer negative information about underage drinking unless you are asked whether you have been convicted of a crime, motor vehicle offense, etc.

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<p>The applications will ask for more than whatever convictions you have. They may or may not specifically enumerate the kinds of things they're asking for and probably won't give a comprehensive list. It's a terrible idea to try reading the questions narrowly and withholding information. You should always err on the side of disclosure.</p>

<p>Have you checked your record to see what, if anything, shows up there? I also advise you to err on the side of disclosure but you also want to know what is on your record.</p>

<p>No criminal record because it was a summary offense. The only evidence you can find that i had been in trouble is if you were to look at my driving record. I shows the license suspensions. Most people ask me if i was drinking and driving...no, in the state of Pennsylvania if you are cited for underage drinking you pay and fine and lose your license for 3 months.</p>

<p>I'm not sure what is required for law school applications, but this is something that I feel will definitely need to go on bar applications. Some specifically ask for anything that resulted in a license suspension. Others ask generally about any evidence of alcohol or drug problems and not including this would be a mistake. I don't believe that being honest will affect your admission, but being dishonest can lead to disbarment. You need to know what is on your driving record, your criminal record and your credit report - all of those things may be examined.</p>