So, a few weeks back my registration had expired, and I just went ahead and paid the ticket. However, going over some of my common apps this morning, I panicked. Did I plead guilty to a misdemeanor? This school, for instance, asks: “Have you entered a plea of no contest or nolo contendere, or an Alford plea, to a misdemeanor, felony, or other criminal charge”
No space to explain, just a yes or a no. I checked, and sure enough, in North Carolina an expired registration is a Class 3 Misdemeanor.
I’m a transfer student. I’m actually 32, with big gaps in my education and a few periods of unemployment and, before these last two semesters, a spotty GPA. If I answer “yes,” how does this not completely sink my application?
I’m so frustrated. In most states something like an expired registration isn’t even a misdemeanor.
Additionally: If I answer no to the question, they definitely run checks for everybody, right? So I either answer yes, they think I’m probably a felon, or I answer no, in which case I lie, they find out, and toss my application anyway.
You are probably fine to check no. Most don’t mean traffic tickets but are looking more for criminal activity. Anyone can have a parking meter expire or get a ticket for one mile over the limit (yep some places are like that). If the ticket were for drunk driving, then that’s another story. Some job applications will actually state, other than traffic.
Relax. You have NOT committed a crime; it is neither a misdemeanor nor a felony – it’s an infraction. Traffic infractions are not crimes (unless there is something like a DUI, reckless endangerment or a hit-and-run involved). You’re fine. Answer NO.
You could ask admissions. I can’t imagine that any university would care about a fine for an overdue car registration, a parking ticket, or a minor speeding ticket (eg, 69 in a 55 zone).
Speeding tickets are an issue for employers. Parking tickets, late registration penalties & library fines are non-issues. But speeding tickets can cost one a job offer due to liability concerns.