impending misdemeanor DUI charge

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PerpetualStudent

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Do osteopathic medical schools do background checks? I recently was arrested and know I'm going to get a DUI. I wanted to apply to osteopathic and foreign medical schools either this year or next, am I screwed now? I plan on getting a lawyer...Is it any better if it's a wet and reckless?
 
Do osteopathic medical schools do background checks? I recently was arrested and know I'm going to get a DUI. I wanted to apply to osteopathic and foreign medical schools either this year or next, am I screwed now? I plan on getting a lawyer...Is it any better if it's a wet and reckless?

Yes, all medical schools do background checks. Some schools do them before the student matriculates, others do them before rotations begin in the 3rd year (usually the former). I don't know how serious a DUI would be seen by them, but it's in your best interest to try to get this cleared up.
 
I plan on trying, but when you're over the limit it's highly unlikely they're going to dismiss it. I know after a few years I will be able to have it expunged, but I hate to wait that long.. Does a DUI bar me from acceptance? If so, what if I wait until I have it expunged? Will this still show up in back ground checks then? Any first hand experience with such a situation or second hand would be very appreciated.
 
I plan on trying, but when you're over the limit it's highly unlikely they're going to dismiss it. I know after a few years I will be able to have it expunged, but I hate to wait that long.. Does a DUI bar me from acceptance? If so, what if I wait until I have it expunged? Will this still show up in back ground checks then? Any first hand experience with such a situation or second hand would be very appreciated.

It'll show up on a state check (unless the arresting party didn't do their job right), and if you run a report on yourself I think you'll see it there. Applications ask if you've been convicted of a misdemenor or felony. If you're anticipating a conviction, you need to document it, obviously. It's pretty cut and dry as you've described the situation.
 
Get a lawyer and have him/her look into the options. There are ways to plead guilty and get put on probation, yet there is no conviction or blemish on your criminal record.

Get a good lawyer and everything should work out for you.

Good luck.
 
Regardless of what the outcome of the case is I do not think that it will affect you matriculating to medical school. People make mistakes---life happens. Having said that, I would absolutely get a trusted lawyer, someone who has experience with dui cases, and fight this thing---even if you were over the limit. Some attorneys can work magic. He/she may know the District Attorney well, or the judge. You never know. You may not get it dropped completely, but there is a very good chance (especially if this is your first offense and you have no other previous issues/convictions) that a deal can be cut and this thing will get plead down to a lesser offense. In any event, I would just keep moving about your business and do NOT let this weigh you down. Good luck.
 
If you can't get it off your record, you might consider volunteering with an alcohol abuse prevention program (speaking about the evils of drunk driving at HS's for example) so when adcoms ask about it you can be like, yeah I f'ed up... let me tell you how I used this unfortunate experience to make the world a better place.
 
As others have said, get the best lawyer you can afford and fight this as hard as you can. Cops make mistakes all the time, and there are loopholes a lawyer can find to get you out of it or to get it plea-bargained down to something like a reckless driving. A DUI won't necessarily prevent you from going to med school, but it is something that will need explaining at every school and will follow you for the rest of your career. And all things being equal, which student are they going to accept: Sober Sally or Sloppy Sue?
 
Do osteopathic medical schools do background checks? I recently was arrested and know I'm going to get a DUI. I wanted to apply to osteopathic and foreign medical schools either this year or next, am I screwed now? I plan on getting a lawyer...Is it any better if it's a wet and reckless?

-Yup, they do background checks
-It's going to come up in a background check, especially if you are convicted
-You're going to have to mention it on applications before the background check part even comes up
-Not sure how much it will hurt, my guess is that it will
-I've heard that a DUI can cause licensing issues, which is why med schools do background checks
-Get an attorney, have him/her go to work, check all this out for you, direct your questions to him/her.
-DO schools are not going to be any 'cooler' about a DUI than an MD school
-Sorry if this sounds harsh. I'm sure there is an explanation, but the bottom line is that it is going to come up, people have gotten into med school with DUIs, but it's something that you will need to explain/convince adcoms to accept you inspite of.
 
-Yup, they do background checks
-It's going to come up in a background check, especially if you are convicted
-You're going to have to mention it on applications before the background check part even comes up
-Not sure how much it will hurt, my guess is that it will
-I've heard that a DUI can cause licensing issues, which is why med schools do background checks
-Get an attorney, have him/her go to work, check all this out for you, direct your questions to him/her.
-DO schools are not going to be any 'cooler' about a DUI than an MD school
-Sorry if this sounds harsh. I'm sure there is an explanation, but the bottom line is that it is going to come up, people have gotten into med school with DUIs, but it's something that you will need to explain/convince adcoms to accept you inspite of.

Harsh yes. But true. It has been said, but get a great attorney and be 100% honest with your attorney. There is a reason you don't say anything without counsel. BTW, here is a link everyone will enjoy. It is a quick way to do a FREE search on anyone. http://www.criminalsearches.com/default.aspx

The reason I link this is that it looks like it shows what someone was charged with, as well as what they were convicted of. Again, get a great lawyer before listening to anyone, including family. Best of luck. Remember, when things happen, it is usually not the mistake (Nixon, Ollie North, Bill Clinton) it is the cover up that gets you into trouble. Everyeon makes mistakes. Handle it head on. Best of luck to you.
 
I'm not offering anything new, but nevertheless get a ****ing lawyer and get it knocked down as much as possible. Best you can do at this point.

Outta curiosity, what BAC did you have?
 
Yes...this will come up...but in 2 arenas.

The first is, as you are worried about, and that is getting into school. This won't preclude you...but you absolutely need to disclose it.

The second is, most, if not all states will ask about your record when you apply for a license (this is where it matters)...and a DUI won't really preclude licensure...but it will likely make a pain in the ass of the licensure process. Remember that the licensure process of many states contains a series of questions...specifically about DUI's. And the crummy part is that most of them don't ask if you were CONVICTED...they simply ask "have you ever been CHARGED with xyz." This, if not handled with good legal advice, is gonna give you the most problems.

The one absolute here is that you need to contact an attorney for representation IMMEDIATELY and before you do ANYTHING ELSE. It is also in your best interest to shop around...not all attorneys are the same. Don't ask your typical friends for advice on an attorney...you really need to ask some professional people...a few doctors (as awkward as the question would be for you) would be a really good move here. Most...no, make that all, doctors know someone who's been in a similar situation and will likely know who the go-to attorney is locally for professionals.

Do not pass GO, do not collect $200, do not show up for a court appearance, do not answer any question or fill out any licensing forms BEFORE you consult with legal counsel. The $5000 this is gonna cost you will likely be the best investment you'll make in your career for a while.

Good luck.
 
make a phone call to the schools you are interested in attending. Don't leave your name and ask how they view misdemeanors (DUI's). I know some schools overlook one, but they will not overlook two. I've had friends get into medical schools with misdemeanors on their records. I don't think a DUI will take you out. The only thing that I see hurting you is how recent your DUI is. Maybe take one or two years off before applying to prove that it won't happen again.
 
All of the above advice, plus PLEASE DON'T EVER EFFING DRIVE DRUNK AGAIN.

YEah I didn't say anything in my previous post, but yeah you're still a ****ing idiot and could have killed someone. Hope you learned from your mistake beyond simply getting in trouble.
 
YEah I didn't say anything in my previous post, but yeah you're still a ****ing idiot and could have killed someone. Hope you learned from your mistake beyond simply getting in trouble.


Do you think this individual has not already learned from his/her mistake??? And you go on to throw out insults. Wow. Completely unecessary I'm sure you've made plenty of mistakes yourself. We ALL have.

To the OP, someone did say that you should take a year or two off---I think that would be the biggest mistake of all. Do NOT let this hold you back, now or later. Get the proper legal advice, fight this, and move one. This will not stop you from getting into medical school and this will not stop you from becoming a licensed physician. Take care.
 
Do you think this individual has not already learned from his/her mistake??? And you go on to throw out insults. Wow. Completely unecessary I'm sure you've made plenty of mistakes yourself. We ALL have.

To the OP, someone did say that you should take a year or two off---I think that would be the biggest mistake of all. Do NOT let this hold you back, now or later. Get the proper legal advice, fight this, and move one. This will not stop you from getting into medical school and this will not stop you from becoming a licensed physician. Take care.

You're right. I've made mistakes. But, well, to put it bluntly, I've never made that *****ic of a mistake. If I were on an adcom, I would have a very hard time wrapping my head around a DUI.

Don't get me wrong, OP, as a fellow pre-med, I know how much work you've put into getting this far, and I'm sure you'll make a great doctor someday. Frankly, though, I hope that this DUI costs you a lot of money and time.
 
I know a lot of people with DUI's who do not automatically learn from their "mistake"... mistake in quotes because it was more of a habit with them until they totaled the car/got caught/almost died.
 
I agree with previous posts in that driving under the influence of any kind of drug is dumb. The thing is that almost everyone does it at one time or another in their lives. It isn't necessarily just alcohol we are talking about, many other drugs can and do have the same effect on inhibitions and decision making as alcohol.
So you got caught. It sucks. I did as well. I deserved to be caught and I learned a huge lesson from it. The difference between you and I? I received my DUI four years ago (4 years before applying). I have since received an honorable discharge, completed college with many different honors, volunteered at a halfway house for alcoholics and drug addicts, volunteered working with developmentally, socially, mentally, and physically handicapped children, shadowed physicians, worked as a nurse aide and at the same time a medicine technician.
With this being said I have had 8 MD interview invites (did not attend one because I really liked LMU-DCOM) without an acceptance. I had 3 DO interview invites (did not attend two because I really liked LMU-DCOM). My DUI was brought up in every single non-closed file interview. I told them like it was.
I feel that this DUI is the main reason that I have had limited success this cycle. But I have been accepted to a medical school, so that says something: It is possible. It is not easy, but possible. I would side with the advice of talking to a lawyer and seeing what they can do for you. If you really want to be a doctor though, go for it. Do whatever you can to show that DUI isn't who you are (unless it is, then you might as well give up). Good Luck with everything.
 
I agree with previous posts in that driving under the influence of any kind of drug is dumb. The thing is that almost everyone does it at one time or another in their lives.

This is not true. The "everyone does it" excuse is as untrue as it is lame. It's only common because we as a society tolerate it.
 
This is not true. The "everyone does it" excuse is as untrue as it is lame. It's only common because we as a society tolerate it.
I am not going to argue since neither one of us can back our arguments up. But, just to clarify I said influence not intoxication. And I said any kind of drug (which are just as dangerous as alcohol) which could include many things. Thanks.
 
I am not going to argue since neither one of us can back our arguments up. But, just to clarify I said influence not intoxication. And I said any kind of drug (which are just as dangerous as alcohol) which could include many things. Thanks.

I agree with binko here. That is a horrible excuse that only attempts to justify an act that should have absolutely no justification. It is an extreme lack of judgement, and a lack that many of us do not experience, thank you very much.

Most, if not all of us, make mistakes, but this is beyond a "mistake".
 
This is not true. The "everyone does it" excuse is as untrue as it is lame. It's only common because we as a society tolerate it.


It's pretty much the truth that everybody has done it at one point in their life. If not alcohol, what about driving too tired? Same difference. I can't tell you how many times (when I go to the bar) how many times I see people drinking and driving. One beer, two beers, one mixed drink, it doesn't matter, its still drinking and driving. I rarely see a designated driver, if ever.

Oh, and when you wake up the next morning thinking your sober, most likely you still can't legally drive.

We still have DUI's because people don't realize that they are doing it until they get caught.

I wouldn't hold a DUI against someone at a Medical school interview. As long as it was only one. If it were more than one, than thats unacepptable.
 
It's pretty much the truth that everybody has done it at one point in their life. If not alcohol, what about driving too tired? Same difference. I can't tell you how many times (when I go to the bar) how many times I see people drinking and driving. One beer, two beers, one mixed drink, it doesn't matter, its still drinking and driving. I rarely see a designated driver, if ever.

Oh, and when you wake up the next morning thinking your sober, most likely you still can't legally drive.

We still have DUI's because people don't realize that they are doing it until they get caught.

I wouldn't hold a DUI against someone at a Medical school interview. As long as it was only one. If it were more than one, than thats unacepptable.

Yeah, you're probably right. The families of those idiots that get killed by drunk drivers need to realize that it was their loved ones' own fault for getting in the way of the drunk driver. They should have gotten enough practice by now dodging drunk drivers, since everyone does it. I mean seriously, how can you expect someone to realize that they are driving under the influence, unless they get caught?
 
Yeah, you're probably right. The families of those idiots that get killed by drunk drivers need to realize that it was their loved ones' own fault for getting in the way of the drunk driver. They should have gotten enough practice by now dodging drunk drivers, since everyone does it. I mean seriously, how can you expect someone to realize that they are driving under the influence, unless they get caught?


Do you think that everybody who get a DUI is a sloppy drunk? Not, always. Plus they can get you for DUI at .04 when killing someone...one beer for most people. Its easier than you think to get one.

To get caught is a "wake up call for most people"
 
It's pretty much the truth that everybody has done it at one point in their life. If not alcohol, what about driving too tired? Same difference.

Are you joking??? Is this why I always see campaigns on TV against sleepy driving??? I also hate driving through those sleepy driving check points.

I can't tell you how many times (when I go to the bar) how many times I see people drinking and driving. One beer, two beers, one mixed drink, it doesn't matter, its still drinking and driving. I rarely see a designated driver, if ever.

It actually isn't always drinking and driving. States set laws on the BAC a person above the age of 21 can have and legally drive. Does it affect everyone the same way?? Nope, but these laws are based on something.

I wouldn't hold a DUI against someone at a Medical school interview. As long as it was only one. If it were more than one, than thats unacepptable.

It is true that there are certain circumstances where people get DUIs that aren't 100% cut and dry. Not all DUIs are people driving 90mph with .2 BAC through a school zone. However, it's really kind of weird to 'overlook' one DUI in my opinion. I think each case should be investigated to see if it was a one time thing and the person has really comitted to change.
 
Are you joking??? Is this why I always see campaigns on TV against sleepy driving??? I also hate driving through those sleepy driving check points.



It actually isn't always drinking and driving. States set laws on the BAC a person above the age of 21 can have and legally drive. Does it affect everyone the same way?? Nope, but these laws are based on something.



It is true that there are certain circumstances where people get DUIs that aren't 100% cut and dry. Not all DUIs are people driving 90mph with .2 BAC through a school zone. However, it's really kind of weird to 'overlook' one DUI in my opinion. I think each case should be investigated to see if it was a one time thing and the person has really comitted to change.


I've been in a car with drunk driver, never got into an accident. I've been in a car when someone was too tired, almost killed us. There's no difference.
 
I've been in a car with drunk driver, never got into an accident. I've been in a car when someone was too tired, almost killed us. There's no difference.

I hope you are just trying to have fun prolonging this thread because otherwise you're a fool.
 
I've been in a car with drunk driver, never got into an accident. I've been in a car when someone was too tired, almost killed us. There's no difference.

Your sample size of 2 convinces me that you know all about the dangers of drunk driving. My apologies; I concede.

I'm ashamed that there are people in this society that feel the way you do about these issues. You give people the idea that their behavior can be tolerated because "everyone makes mistakes". No, this behavior cannot be tolerated, no matter what the reason is and no matter what the outcome was.

You didn't get into an accident with a drunk driver? Great; I'm glad you're in one piece. It doesn't mean it'll never happen, it just means it didn't happen yet.
 
I've been in a car with drunk driver, never got into an accident. I've been in a car when someone was too tired, almost killed us. There's no difference.

The law makes it a difference. If your first friend had a DUI before too and killed you, he could be charged with pre-meditated murder, not vehicular manslaughter like your second friend. There is a difference, even if you don't see the outcome as the same.



(my claim is based on my best friend who was told this by a police officer in a course for similar problems).
 
I wouldn't hold a DUI against someone at a Medical school interview. As long as it was only one. If it were more than one, than thats unacepptable.

In that case, my advice to the OP is to apply to the prestigious S27-COM.
 
In that case, my advice to the OP is to apply to the prestigious S27-COM.

I know the university of WI, Medical college of WI, for sure would overlook one DUI as long as their are no other alcohol infractions on one's record. Also, it would help if you don't have anyother issues (no alcohol) on your record. It will hurt your application, but not kill it either.
 
Do you think that everybody who get a DUI is a sloppy drunk? Not, always. Plus they can get you for DUI at .04 when killing someone...one beer for most people. Its easier than you think to get one.

To get caught is a "wake up call for most people"

Speaking of 'wake up calls', let me give you some perspective of what a real wake-up call is.

A few months ago, I was driving one night near my college campus. I was driving down the road on my green light ready to cross an intersection when a young very petite girl darts right in front of me from behind a row of parked cars. As soon as she got in front of me, I slammed on my brakes, jump out of my car (as I had just gotten into the intersection). And I run up to her as she is on the ground, as my car knocked her over. Thank god she is okay with only a few scratches, and the police eventually arrive and witnesses clear me of wrongdoing (saying she was the one who should be cited for jaywalking).

While this incident really shook me up, the thing is that I was completely sober (I don't drink), I was completely focused on driving with both hands on the steering wheel, and I didn't even have music playing. I was also following the speed limit of like 30-35 mph. Because of my complete focus on driving and driving correctly, I was able to slam the brakes just in the nick of time - otherwise that girl could have died. Her life, my life, and our families lives would have been changed forever in that instant. Even though it wasn't my fault, I wouldn't have been able to wake up every morning knowing that someone had died because of me. I am so utterly grateful that she was not killed or hurt. Now imagine if it was someone else in my place, someone drunk or drowsy or talking on their cell phone or just not paying full attention to the road.... the outcome could have been VERY different and tragic. A mere half second delay in my reaction time might have changed everything. Think about that. It is NEVER ever okay to drive under any drug or alcohol influence.
 
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I've been in a car with drunk driver, never got into an accident. I've been in a car when someone was too tired, almost killed us. There's no difference.

I'd like to point out that driving while overly tired (I forget the actual numbers but w/e) can, in some states, TOTALLY get you a DWI....having been pulled over, for not having my lights on while FINALLY driving home after being awake at a hospital for 3 days with my dad, I can totally attest to this. The police man insisted on following me home.
 
Impaired driving is illegal, which in many places doesn't take into account the source of the impairment. Don't drive sleepy, don't drive drunk, and don't drive if you think it may not be safe for you to be driving. Not rocket surgery.
 
Impaired driving is illegal, which in many places doesn't take into account the source of the impairment. Don't drive sleepy, don't drive drunk, and don't drive if you think it may not be safe for you to be driving. Not rocket surgery.


Yup. Problem is, ESPECIALLY with sleep, you don't always *know*. For instance, I had *no idea*, it just never dawned on me to check my lights. Which I mean, obviously means I was impaired, but I had no real way to judge the situation, i felt fine, just sleepy, and it wasn't like I was falling asleep sitting up, or at the wheel or anything like that.

When I have a drink, i won't drive, it's that simple. I've taken exams after 3 days of VERY LITTLE sleep, so why in the world would I assume I couldn't drive? Sleepy is VERY subjective where's that line? Is it after 16 hours of back breaking labor? or 24 hours studying? or 36 hours sitting on your @$$ watching television? Hence the "I had no idea". Nice of the guy not to give me a ticket. One of those "lessons learned" I'm not quite sure *where* my limit is, but I certainly won't be testing it anytime soon!
 
BTW, here is a link everyone will enjoy. It is a quick way to do a FREE search on anyone. http://www.criminalsearches.com/default.aspx

The reason I link this is that it looks like it shows what someone was charged with, as well as what they were convicted of.

How extensive is that database? I typed in some names of recent convictions (within the past few months) to test it out, and none showed up.
 
Impaired driving is illegal, which in many places doesn't take into account the source of the impairment. Don't drive sleepy, don't drive drunk, and don't drive if you think it may not be safe for you to be driving. Not rocket surgery.

Agreed.

Although rocket surgery could be interesting to perform while impaired...just a thought.
 
i don't think anyone is on a high horse when they say not to drive drunk. clearly, you're fortunate enough to have never had your life impacted by drunk driving. good for you.
and to point out the obvious, bac depends on several factors. here is a nice handy dandy chart. http://www.brad21.org/bac_charts.html
 
I have a misdemeanor, and I was recently accepted into medical school. At one of my interviews, the interviewer just looked at my application and laughed, although mine was public intoxication and not a DUI. I believe, the main purpose of the background check is to make sure you don't have any felonies (rape, murder, etc.). If the DUI is a first offense, you should be fine. When completing your applications, be cliche by stating you have learned from your mistake.
 
i don't think anyone is on a high horse when they say not to drive drunk. clearly, you're fortunate enough to have never had your life impacted by drunk driving. good for you.
and to point out the obvious, bac depends on several factors. here is a nice handy dandy chart. http://www.brad21.org/bac_charts.html

Granted you should not drink and drive. but, i don't throw stones at glass houses. I'm not proud of doing it, but I'm sure i've done it at least once in my life. I'm no saint.
 
Granted you should not drink and drive. but, i don't throw stones at glass houses. I'm not proud of doing it, but I'm sure i've done it at least once in my life. I'm no saint.

This attitude is so appalling. Also, your use of the phrase "stones at glass houses" taken a step further (and out of the scope of the phrase, haha) makes a perfect analogy for drunk drivers. They are glass houses, disasters waiting to happen, even if it is "just once."
 
If you are not on, or going to be on probation when you might be matriculated, it shouldn't be a problem.

I was interviewed and placed on the wait list for a DO school in '05. Two weeks before school started I was called and asked if I would like to come to their school. She told me the check list of things to do to become matriculated, one of which was a background check. I was on probation at the time for a DUI and my matriculation was denied. Worste thing of my life to have my dream right in front of my face, then taken away.

Just started to think about taking the MCAT again and re-applying b/c I'm a totally different person now; my mind, heart and spirit are in a completely new place, and I feel the best ever.

Wish you luck.
 
If you are not on, or going to be on probation when you might be matriculated, it shouldn't be a problem.

I was interviewed and placed on the wait list for a DO school in '05. Two weeks before school started I was called and asked if I would like to come to their school. She told me the check list of things to do to become matriculated, one of which was a background check. I was on probation at the time for a DUI and my matriculation was denied. Worste thing of my life to have my dream right in front of my face, then taken away.

Just started to think about taking the MCAT again and re-applying b/c I'm a totally different person now; my mind, heart and spirit are in a completely new place, and I feel the best ever.

Wish you luck.

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor DUI and didn't disclose it when asked, then you lied to the school and it's no shocker your acceptance was revoked. If they never asked and it came up in a background check, it must have meant that it would be a problem for license or that they felt you were some how dishonest in the entire situation.
 
Granted you should not drink and drive. but, i don't throw stones at glass houses. I'm not proud of doing it, but I'm sure i've done it at least once in my life. I'm no saint.

"You know what they say: Men in glass houses ssink shshshships!" Tell me someone gets the reference! Let this thread die!!!
 
My advice is to not be a jackass and get DUI's.

While I agree with the sentiment, that is kind of like giving a newly diagnosed HIV patient advice to use condoms and clean needles. It doesn't really help with the current problem.
 
While I agree with the sentiment, that is kind of like giving a newly diagnosed HIV patient advice to use condoms and clean needles. It doesn't really help with the current problem.

Yes and no. The HIV patient can't prevent getting HIV later, even if he does use condoms and clean needles; it's too late. You can prevent future DUIs, however. Hence the advice is sound...don't be a shmuck and get DUIs.
 
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