I run a large program providing bikeshare access to over 3000 people. However, I’ve recently been reported for criminal negligence(by effectively condoning breaking the law, i.e wrong way riding, using the bus lane, using emergency lanes, running red lights, in the safety video i made). I’m not sure how I’m supposed to phrase this POTENTIAL charge to colleges. Someone just reported this, so I’m not sure if it’ll even be filed.
Just a little background here, I didn’t know I was breaking the law-- I didn’t even know criminal negligence was a thing. I have high stats, and pretty solid ECs, but I just don’t know how I would explain this to colleges, if I was ever convicted. I have taken the video down-- perhaps the police won’t see it?
If you haven’t been charged, then that is your answer.
You were not clear about who reported you to the police, though - if it’s your current school reporting you to the police, then that might need to be described in the app section that asks about school disciplinary actions.
First, be completely honest in your college applications and in life. Honesty really does work very well in the long run. and so does a willingness to acknowledge our mistakes, and grow from the experience.
Of course, you don’t have to report that you’ve been reported. Even if charged, you very well might not have to report it, depending on how the relevant questions are phrased on the College App, any other application platforms, and/or in college questions. And honesty does not require that you volunteer info that was not requested. Of course, you don’t want to volunteer something that would be damaging or might muddy the waters, unless it is something that will probably come up later, and you want to get in front of it.
If pursued the complaint is pursued by the authorities acknowledge any poor judgment, apologize, be positive that you will not repeat the behavior, and agree to take any helpful measures that would correct any misinformation and execute on that agreement. Typically charges would not be pursued if you are willing to do this, though I obviously can’t speak for the authorities and don’t have any more info on this situation beyond what you’ve provided.
Learn from the experience, that’s always the most important thing. Good luck!