<p>I am going to be charged soon for possession of marijuana (under an ounce, no intent) & paraphernalia, but I haven't yet been read my rights or informally/formally charged since I was provided a conditional release because I was 16 (a minor) at the time of the incident. I may or may not be found guilty since, in my incident, the officer failed to read my Miranda rights to me before holding a custodial interrogation prior to search. Of the applications I have previewed this far, every one asks the prospective student to list any and all pending or formal charges/convictions. I technically have not been charged at all yet, so if I apply before they charge me it will read that I have a completely clean record. Say I am able to turn in my applications prior to my being charged, when I am charged will the schools I applied to be notified? If they are notified, how slim are my chances of being accepted (I have all A's, very high SAT scores, and my first choice is UGA)? Would I be better off waiting to apply to college when I expunge my records or should I go ahead and take a shot? If I take a shot now, will it ruin my future chances of getting into the same schools? I am worried that UGA and most colleges similar to or held to the same standard as UGA will not be forgiving of this incident and will ruin my chances of continuing my education directly after high school. If you know anyone who has ever gone through a similar situation or know any information that may help me please respond back. I have always been set on going to college and I am terrified that this might ruin everything. </p>
<p>I think that you need to consult with an attorney who has experience in these matters. Relying on what someone says here may backfire on you and this is an important matter impacting your future. Good luck. Stay out of trouble please.</p>