<p>Hey all. I recently finished undergrad and am planning to take a few additional courses as a non-degree seeking student. Unfortunately I was arrested and charged with a DUI several months ago. The university where I'd like to take the additional courses asks the applicant about pending charges and I am wondering what exactly I should say (aside from describing the situation)?</p>
<p>I've read that a university wants to see that the individual has learned from the incident and shows contrition. However, I am completely innocent! How can I demonstrate that I am repentant when I have no reason to? Do I lie just to appeal to admissions? Do I claim my innocence though I'm certain no one will believe me? Or should I only explain the charges/the circumstances and that's it?</p>
<p>How are you innocent? Didn’t you have your BAC tested when you were pulled over?</p>
<p>Yes, I blew a 0.00. The arrest occurred after an accident (fender bender) where I was thought to be acting suspiciously. Basically the police made a judgement call. I could go into further detail but it doesn’t change the nature of my questions. I understand that random people aren’t going to believe I’m innocent so it’s probably not worth mentioning on an application.</p>
<p>If you were completely innocent of the DUI, you should fight it in court, and get it off of your record.</p>
<p>That aside, there must have been something about the way that you were driving, and/or your behavior when the police officer appeared, that made him or her run the breathalyzer. How about writing something like this:</p>
<p>I am awaiting a court date for a DUI resulting from a traffic accident. As I was not drinking that evening, as verified by the results of the BAC analysis, I expect the DUI itself to be dropped. However, as there was $X of property damage, I fully accept my responsibility for that. As a result of this incident I have enrolled in a safe-driving course/anger-management therapy/etc. I am dismayed that my lack of judgment has produced this result, and I am endeavoring to drive with greater attention.</p>
<p>A friend of mine faced a very similar situation. Personally I would briefly describe the charges and nothing more. I know it’s difficult not to claim your innocence but I think it would rub an ad com the wrong way. Leave a more in-depth response for potential grad applications.</p>
<p>Good luck. Hope everything wraps in your favor.</p>
<p>@Happymomof1- I am currently fighting the charges and am considering writing something in that vein. I DO feel bad for causing an accident and have gone to driving lessons. As an aside: I suffer from panic disorder and was very anxious that day. I couldn’t find my license or insurance info and was initially worried about being cited for driving with no license. I know the police probably misinterpreted my (intense) anxiety.</p>
<p>But perhaps it’s best to heed drg0nzo’s advice though? I’m worried that I’ll go through this spiel and admissions will be like “yea right”.</p>
<p>Can you make an appointment with the admissions office and discuss this in person? After all, this is a non-fatal traffic accident, and you are enrolling as a non-degree student. It isn’t as though you were a certified axe-murderer who wanted to enroll in a degree program!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I’m going to set an appointment. I’m hoping it won’t be an issue because, like you said, Im only applying as a non-degree. </p>
<p>Hopefully I’ll have this all concealed by the time I apply to grad school. Oy vey.</p>