<p>I plan to apply to UGA next month, and as every other college application I've visited, their application asks the question "Have you ever been charged with, convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a crime other than a minor traffic offense, or are any criminal charges now pending against you? About three weeks ago, I got into some trouble for underage drinking in the very city of Athens, and to make a long story short, I now have a misdemeanor on my record for underage possession of alcohol. I go to court this week to find out exactly what my punishment will be which I expect to be placed in a diversion program which will include probation and community service. However, completion of the program will result in a sealed record in which the misdemeanor will no longer be visible to anyone but law enforcement. Given I receive this result after court, would it be an honest answer to say no to the question on the application or should I answer yes and explain the situation?</p>
<p>answer yes and explain the situation.</p>
<p>Generally, if the crime is sealed, you can legally answer “no” to that question. There are very few cases where a sealed crime can be used against you, particularly if you are charged with another crime or if you’re applying for a job in law enforcement.</p>