<p>When i was 19, i was cited for a Minor in Posession of Alcohol on Halloween. The officer cited me with an infraction and when i went to court (it was a traffic court so nothing big here), the judge dismissed the case. </p>
<p>Now, most law schools ask "have you been convicted....(blah blah blah)" so im going to say "No" because i was never convicted (an plus, it was not a misdemeanor...it was a citation). BUT, NYU and Columbia specifically state that "this should include matters that have been expunged." So on those two applications i will have to say "Yes" and provide a short explanation. My question is this: do you think this will hurt my chances at these schools, especially because im sort of on the border line (3.96 and 171 from Berkeley)?</p>
<p>But first of all, to any of the lawyers out there, does my case force me to answer "Yes" to the question: "Have you ever, as a juvenile or an adult, been convicted of a crim other than minor traffic violations? This should include matters that have been expunged or subject to a diversionary program."</p>
<p>Does this question mean that you have to answer "Yes" only if you were convicted and then it was later expunged. Or does include what happened to me (it was treated like a traffic ticket. I had to pay ~$100 and then it was dismissed)?</p>
<p>If you disclose and and it affects your application: you get denied, worst case.
If you don't disclose and you were supposed to disclose: you could get disbarred later on. </p>
<p>Or so I heard. I don't think a minor offense like that is worth hiding.</p>
<p>If you truly were not arrested, and case was dismissed, not expunged...it's likely you don't have to report it. If you don't have a lawyer friend to call, try contacting legal aid or even a local DA. They should be able to tell you if there's a difference between dismissed and expunged.</p>
<p>Most universities have council retained to talk to students about this sort of thing. I would go find them, they are paid to sit there and answer questions like this.</p>
<p>That said, when in doubt you should disclose. I doubt something like that will hurt you much, and if you were supposed to disclose the ramifications could be MUCH steeper later on.</p>
<p>If it was dismissed unconditionally, then you have not been convicted of a crime if that's what they're asking you.</p>
<p>Sometimes cases are dismissed on the condition that you not get into trouble for some period of time; if that's what happened, then it's likely that this would be classified as a diversionary program, and you would need to disclose it.</p>
<p>When you apply for admission to the bar, their questions might be a little broader, and require you to list arrests for which you were not convicted. A single citation for possession of alcohol as a minor is unlikely to cause problems. But state bars are sensitive to alcohol-related issues, as the underlying problem in a high percentage of bar disciplinary cases is substance abuse.</p>
<p>All California lawyers have to listen to a one-hour lecture on substance abuse once every three years to keep their licenses.</p>
<p>There is a difference between expunging a prior conviction from your record and being found not guilty or having the case dismissed for other reasons. Many times a case can be continued for several months and then dismiss automatically if you do not get into further trouble. Unless you have pled quilty or the Court found you guilty you have not been convicted. Often times Judges entered what is called a suspended or deferred judgment which means the Court finds you committed the crime but withholds formal adjudication (juvenile cases) or conviction (adult cases) and if you successfully complete a probation period no formal conviction is entered. That is different from "expunging" a conviction. If you were charged with underage possession and went to court and the judge dismissed the case after finding you not guilty or for another reason then you were never convicted and do not need to report it. I have practiced in juvenile and adult court as both a prosecutor and defense attorney for over 20 years. Before you answer the question make sure you consult with an expert about the facts of your case.</p>