Should a speeding ticket (technically a misdemeanor) be noted on the Common App?

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>So, I got a speeding ticket a couple of months ago, and it is considered a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan. </p>

<p>The question in question states:
"Have you ever been adjudicated guilty or convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime? "</p>

<p>Well, I was considered guilty. However, I'm taking an online education course that is supposed to avoid points on my record. Still, should I check "yes" to this question? I would think it looks quite bad. After all, I'm checking the same box as applicants who've killed a person (and are somehow not in prison). And I don't honestly think a speeding ticket is that big of a deal. </p>

<p>Anyway, should I be completely truthful and suffer the consequences of being seen a criminal, or should I take the chance that colleges will not be checking my criminal record?</p>

2

<p>Because they asked for it, I recommend that you shoud say yes. Then, by all means explain it! Write another essay as a supplement. I think that it would be better for you to be upfront about it, rather something unpredictable happen that could change their opinion of you.</p>

<p>This is my suggestion, but I am by no means an expert. Ask your parents and guidance counsler too. :)</p>

3

<p>What makes you think it’s a misdemeanor?</p>

<p>[Michigan</a> Traffic Violations Fines - Costs](<a href=“http://www.mitrafficticket.com/mitrafficticket/pause/fines_costs.htm]Michigan”>http://www.mitrafficticket.com/mitrafficticket/pause/fines_costs.htm)</p>

<h2>SPEEDING [all CI’s] - GO TO TOP </h2>

<p>1-5 mph over limit (2) (Limited Access/0pts) $90.00
6-10 mph over limit (2) (Limited Access/1pts) $105.00
11-15 mph over limit (3) (Limited Access/2pts) $120.00
16-25 mph over limit (4) (Limited Access/3pts) $140.00
26+ mph over limit (4)
(Limited Access/3pts)
$155.00

  • $4.00 per mile
    Violation of Basic Speed Law (2) $90.00
    Drove below minimum speed (2) $90.00 </p>

<p>CI stands for “Civil Infraction” - it’s probably not a misdemeanor.</p>

4

<p>I’m not a lawyer, but doesn’t adjudicated imply a court?</p>

5

<p>A speeding ticket is not a misdemeanor. It is a civil infraction, according to the chart provided above. Misdemeanors are more serious offenses (DUI, is a misdemeanor or perhaps a felony, and reckless driving might be a misdemenaor), but a garden variety speeding ticket is not. The admissions offices have more important things to worry about. And, believe it or not, many of them have speeding tickets on their own records.</p>

6

<p>Sorry for forgetting about this thread (and not checking the box to notify me of new replies). For some reason, I thought I remembered the police officer who stopped me informing me that this is a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan. But I guess that’s my mistake. </p>

<p>Thanks for all the help and the links! I’d give you reps if CC used that kind of system in their forums.</p>