Double DUI

[sat0ri]

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I am planning on applying this cycle (i.e., in a month from now) and I need advice and/or direction of where I would even get legal advice.

When I was 17 and then again when I was 18/19, I was pulled over while driving and was breathilized with a BAC over 0.02. I was told both of these were DWAL's, not DUI's. (DWAL is because I was under 21, so I legally should not be drinking anything, so anything over 0.02 is a violation; DUI is classified as 0.07 or greater in this state). I am currently 26 years old.

Since I was minor for my first infraction, I was entered into a forgiveness program which ostensibly "completely removed" it from my recorded (as opposed to "expunged", which I know would need to be reported). Again for my second violation, I was entered into a program which "removed" it from my record (again, not expunged). When I search my county's clerk of courts, the only thing that shows up is 2 counts of open container (from a separate, additional incident when I was 17, had wine bottles in my car)--nothing about my other offenses, presumably because of the forgiveness programs. I dropped out of high school.

Since then, I've had an immaculate traffic/criminal record (so ~6-7 years), and have turned things around academically (eg., 3.9 GPA, top percentile MCAT practice tests, university "valedictorian", first and mid author publication with multiple presentations, insane amount of volunteering/mentoring, a few leadership involvements, 1000+ hours clinical; however 7 W's on transcript). I've also felt like I had a heart of gold and I'm very sad thinking about my past right now.

I am wondering (1) is this an app killer, (2) is this an app limiter, (3) do I report my violations if they are essentially not on my record, (4) how do I present this in the app section, (5) how do I go about seeking legal advice (yellow pages?). Please be brutally honest.

 

[MaxPlancker]

Probably won't make a difference at all if those are the only things that show up. Just don't tarnish your clean record from onwards and enjoy your cycle.

 

[sat0ri]

Probably won't make a difference at all if those are the only things that show up. Just don't tarnish your clean record from onwards and enjoy your cycle.

Just to be clear, I should report everything but you're suggesting it will be inconsequential? Or because I have no searchable record, there is nothing to report (i.e., don't mention it at all)?


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[dougy]

Would be more worried about the 7 "W"'s

Also, if applying this cycle, you should have an MCAT score very soon🙂

 

[sat0ri]

Would be more worried about the 7 "W"'s

I've received advice about this before from SDN. To clarify, most of these were during community college during the tumultuous period, and were in strange classes like lithographic printmaking, computer programming, and aural sight singing (no joke). I do have a W in Calc II, also from community, and 1 in university in phys Chem. With that said, I am actually pretty worried. I included it because even though irrelevant to the legal stuff, I thought the W's and "DUI" might act synergistically to create an overall bad picture


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[sat0ri]

Would be more worried about the 7 "W"'s

Also, if applying this cycle, you should have an MCAT score very soon🙂

For the MCAT I'm registered for June 2, preparing as if I'll sit the exam May 20, and considering the consequences of going as late as June 18. Are you suggesting I need to take it very soon to be viable? Or just being polite/encouraging about learning of my score soon?


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[The Knife & Gun Club]

I voted you were screwed but after reading you story I'm reconsidering. Maybe perform a background check on yourself using the service AAMC uses? (I did this to make sure a municipal ticket I got for trespassing once wasn't on my record)

You are still legally obligated to report, at threat of being kicked out later or maybe being unable to get I liscence, but I'm honestly not sure.

 

[JustAPhD]

I agree with @The Knife & Gun Club, I'd run a background check on yourself using whatever service AAMC uses (honestly don't know that one, so someone please chime in). If they do come up that's something that you'll need to address and may make for a very tough cycle. If it does not come up then it'll at least give you peace of mind.

How would you answer "have you ever been arrested?" Because while not on your record, you still were I'd assume for being drunk underage and behind the wheel.

Good on you for turning your drinking problem around.

 

[songl4a]

.

 

[To be MD]

I am planning on applying this cycle (i.e., in a month from now) and I need advice and/or direction of where I would even get legal advice.

When I was 17 and then again when I was 18/19, I was pulled over while driving and was breathilized with a BAC over 0.02. I was told both of these were DWAL's, not DUI's. (DWAL is because I was under 21, so I legally should not be drinking anything, so anything over 0.02 is a violation; DUI is classified as 0.07 or greater in this state). I am currently 26 years old.

Since I was minor for my first infraction, I was entered into a forgiveness program which ostensibly "completely removed" it from my recorded (as opposed to "expunged", which I know would need to be reported). Again for my second violation, I was entered into a program which "removed" it from my record (again, not expunged). When I search my county's clerk of courts, the only thing that shows up is 2 counts of open container (from a separate, additional incident when I was 17, had wine bottles in my car)--nothing about my other offenses, presumably because of the forgiveness programs. I dropped out of high school.

Since then, I've had an immaculate traffic/criminal record (so ~6-7 years), and have turned things around academically (eg., 3.9 GPA, top percentile MCAT practice tests, university "valedictorian", first and mid author publication with multiple presentations, insane amount of volunteering/mentoring, a few leadership involvements, 1000+ hours clinical; however 7 W's on transcript). I've also felt like I had a heart of gold and I'm very sad thinking about my past right now.

I am wondering (1) is this an app killer, (2) is this an app limiter, (3) do I report my violations if they are essentially not on my record, (4) how do I present this in the app section, (5) how do I go about seeking legal advice (yellow pages?). Please be brutally honest.

You said brutally honest, so I'm giving it to you straight.

I'm not sure who told you that a DUI isn't a DUI if you're a minor. A DWAL is driving without a license (unless you're talking about driving while intoxicated the second time when your license should have been suspended, which would be an additional charge on top of the DUI)... that has nothing to do with your situation. If you're under 21 and are caught with alcohol on your breath, the threshold for a DUI is dropped to .02. That means that DUI's are more harshly given out to persons under 21 than those over because the threshold is lower. Whoever told you that you don't have 2 DUI's on your record is spinning a yarn.

You not only have 2 DUI's, but you also have a minor in possession. That's 2 major legal violations and 1 minor, both alcohol related, in a span of a couple years. Does that make you a horrible person? No. It does make you look like a blasted idiot.

But that was you 8 years ago or so. Maybe they'll be lenient. I don't think you're out of the running.

That being said, you have to disclose all 3 of the violations on your app. If you do not, it will be caught either now when you're applying or late down the road when you're trying to get licensed. It is not a joke. There are severe legal repercussions for hiding things like this on your app. The W's are another matter; people look at them differently.

It's going to be a hell of a lot worse if you were somehow to get into medical school, spend 200k and 4 years of your life, and it comes out that you shouldn't have been accepted to the school in the first place or are ineligible for a license. The AMA doesn't use "freecriminalcheck.com"; before they give you a license, they're going to know about everything illegal you've ever done.

Be honest and open and show them that you're different now.

 

[sat0ri]

@JustAPhD @The Knife & Gun Club @songl4a - Certiphi is what is used. Unfortunately, it is not possible for an individual to request a background check on yourself. Based on what I read in a previous post here, once a med school request a background check from Certiphi you are notified and are even able to pay to see it first before being released to the med schools. Obviously at that point it would be too late to be useful (my primaries and secondaries would be in)

 

[sat0ri]

You said brutally honest, so I'm giving it to you straight.

I'm not sure who told you that a DUI isn't a DUI if you're a minor. A DWAL is driving without a license... that has nothing to do with your situation. If you're under 21 and are caught with alcohol on your breath, the threshold for a DUI is dropped to .02. That means that DUI's are more harshly given out to persons under 21 than those over because the threshold is lower. Whoever told you that you don't have 2 DUI's on your record is spinning a yarn.

You not only have 2 DUI's, but you also have a minor in possession. That's 2 major legal violations and 1 minor, both alcohol related, in a span of a couple years. Does that make you a horrible person? No. It does make you look like a blasted idiot.

But that was you 8 years ago or so. Maybe they'll be lenient. I don't think you're out of the running.

That being said, you have to disclose all 3 of the violations on your app. If you do not, it will be caught either now when you're applying or late down the road when you're trying to get licensed. It is not a joke. There are severe legal repercussions for hiding things like this on your app. The W's are another matter; people look at them differently.

Be honest and open and show them that you're different now.

First, I almost certainly plan on reporting it and have known that this would be a factor since deciding to follow the pre-med track. However, I do want to fully understand my options (which I think is both fair and nothing to be ashamed of) before deciding anything. Also, my whole narrative (high school drop out, being old, etc) all needs to be addressed, and all these things are insinuated into each other (i.e., it will likely come up in both the "report any offenses" section as well as in my "why medicine" section). I do need to know exactly what I'm reporting so I can put together a coherent and accurate statement.

Let me preface this next part of about the technical classification of the offense as being an exercise in semantics -- I don't think it will significantly change how adcoms see me if it is DUI vs a 0.02 violation. (You're right about the DWAL, I couldn't remember the acronym they told me -- it's been so long ago it feels like literally a different person this happened to -- and I tried google before posting but I still used the wrong term.)

To be clear, a .02 violation pronounced (oh-two violation) is not a crime. If you were not arrested, you almost certainly have not been charged with the crime of DUI. If you are given the breath test prior to arrest in Florida, given a notice or citation and allowed to leave, that is another indicator you are not charged with a crime. Arrest is mandatory if you are charged with DUI. Further, for the criminal charge of DUI a breath test may only be given subsequent to arrest. However, an officer who has stopped an under aged motorist, who has reason to believe they have consumed alcohol, may give a roadside breath test with any alcohol sensing device found on the US Department of Transportations Conforming Products List, even one not approved for use in the State of Florida. The result is only admissible in a civil hearing and cannot be used as evidence in a courtroom to pursue criminal charges.

Those cited with a .02 violation face a driver’s license suspension. The .02 violation can become a permanent part of their driving history...

In many cases it is possible to have the suspension set aside, which also removes the suspension from your driving record...

Florida does of course have a criminal charge for DUI...

http://duinewsblog.org/2012/10/31/02-violation-is-it-a-crime/

I'm almost positive what I did was classified as a .02 violation and not a DUI (I had to go through specific paperwork, classes etc; everything I read online is consistent with .02 violation and not consistent with DUI). Again though, I really doubt a .02 violation vs a DUI will be seen all that much differently.

What I am confused about is why it does not show up on my public record. I think it might be part of a foregiveness program which totally effaces your record. (My brother had a shoplifting/trespassing charge on his record, which was removed from his record after a forgiveness program). Part of the intention of these laws is that you are not held back by your past mistakes, which could put me a entirely different legal situation. (I will still need to explain why I dropped out and that whole story, which again is linked with all this.)

I'd really like to know how I can find legal advice regarding all of this.I'm totally clueless about how to do that.

Mostly I'm asking SDN if they think it's an app-sinker or to what extent it will be detrimental for my application. Realistically, I will need start making plans about what to do next, as this is not the type of thing you can just shake off and hope for better weather as a re-applicant -- I would need to entirely reroute my life.

 

[JustAPhD]

First, I almost certainly plan on reporting it and have known that this would be a factor since deciding to follow the pre-med track. However, I do want to fully understand my options (which I think is both fair and nothing to be ashamed of) before deciding anything. Also, my whole narrative (high school drop out, being old, etc) all needs to be addressed, and all these things are insinuated into each other. I do need to know exactly what I'm reporting.

Let me preface this next part of about the technical classification of the crime as being an exercise in semantics -- I don't think it will significantly change how adcoms see me if it is DUI vs a 0.02 violation. (You're right about the DWAL, I can't remember the acronym they told me -- it's been so long ago it feels like literally a different person this happened to -- and I tried google before posting but I still used the wrong term.)


http://duinewsblog.org/2012/10/31/02-violation-is-it-a-crime/

I'm almost positive what I did was classified as a .02 violation and not a DUI (I had to go through specific paperwork, classes etc; everything I read online is consistent with .02 violation and not consistent with DUI). Again though, I really doubt a .02 violation vs a DUI will be seen all that much differently.

What I am confused about is why it does not show up on my public record. I think it might be part of a foregiveness program which totally effaces your record. (My brother had a shoplifting/trespassing charge on his record, which was removed from his record after a forgiveness program). Part of the intention of these laws is that you are not held back by your past mistakes.

I'd really like to know how I can find legal advice regarding all of this (I'm totally cluelessly about how to do that).

That's easy. Talk to your lawyer and not the people on SDN. We don't know your full story, let alone practice law, so any advice we give should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[sparklingwater]

Where on the AMCAS does it ask if you were arrested (maybe I'm missing it)? Speak to a lawyer, but you probably do not need to disclose it depending on the specifics. At least based on the following, it does not appear you need to disclose offenses 1) done as a juvenile or 2) expunged.

Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Felony crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile, or 2) convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court (in states where applicable)?

Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile, 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)?

You need NOT disclose any instance where you:

• were arrested, but not charged;
• were arrested and charged, but the charges were dropped;
• were arrested and charged, but found not guilty by a judge or jury;
• were arrested and found guilty by a judge or jury, but the conviction was overturned on appeal; or
• received an executive pardon.

 

[sat0ri]

@JustAPhD @sparklingwater
(I did a ninja edit on my comment so it slightly changed).

How do you find a lawyer? Sorry I'm like the patient who comes to the ER for a tooth ache or back pain -- I'm utterly lost. Just google "lawyer"? Sorry I don't really have parents that can explain this basic things.

Also (sparkling water) I think stipulations like "were arrested but the charges dropped" is why I need a lawyer to figure out if the forgiveness program meant the charges would be dropped. I don't even think I was technically arrested.



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[MaxPlancker]

Just to be clear, I should report everything but you're suggesting it will be inconsequential? Or because I have no searchable record, there is nothing to report (i.e., don't mention it at all)?


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Yes you should report everything that is officially on record.

 

[Mansamusa]

Does your university have a med school?

I would try to set up a meeting with a dean of admissions at you uni or state school. Sit down with them and discuss your story. People are more likely to be forgiving/understanding if you speak with them in person and you can show them that it was in the past and you have learned/matured. Then ask for their advice.

Making that connection may give you the best shot of not having your app thrown out, since you do look qualified otherwise. That's what I would do in your situation

 

[sat0ri]

Unless you are planning to not apply due to comments posted here, then it doesnt matter. It has happened and cant be changed and only explained. Speculating about the effect it may have on an Adcom is wholly unknowable and is just worry, time and energy that can be better spent elsewhere. Frankly, if you get any more worried over you could start drinking again from the stress and that would defeat the purpose!

Well fair enough. However I would not be surprised if the overwhelming response is to not apply at all (or be very doubtful of getting in).

I think I will apply -- I've worked very hard after all. I think I will put it all out there because it's 1) probably the right thing to do in general and 2) probably the practical thing as well. I'm going to try to find legal counsel because sending an application openly admitting everything would be a very permanent decision and so I need to know exactly what I'm agreeing to do by openly divulging this.


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[LizzyM]

I think you have a compelling story and a long period of time without trouble which counts for something. God help us if we were all judged by what we did before we turned 21.

First: look at the AMCAS instructions for reporting criminal offenses. They vary by state and by the crime. If you can't figure out how your crime fits within the rubric, you'll need a lawyer who can help you figure it out. There might be someone (friend of a friend) who can look over the instructions and your record and give you a "sidewalk consultation".

On the other hand, you could just list it anyway. You are 26 and these things happened >6 years ago and you had a rougher than usual road to medical school. I wouldn't expect an adcom to hang you for those offenses; if anything, they show what a long way you've come despite a poor start in life.

 

[LizzyM]

@LizzyM you did burn those negatives and had that tattoo removed, didnt you?

 

[sat0ri]

Yes you can use certiphi on yourself

You can only request your background check if the school initiated the check. I just called Certiphi and they confirmed this over the phone


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[sat0ri]

I think you have a compelling story and a long period of time without trouble which counts for something. God help us if we were all judged by what we did before we turned 21.

First: look at the AMCAS instructions for reporting criminal offenses. They vary by state and by the crime. If you can't figure out how your crime fits within the rubric, you'll need a lawyer who can help you figure it out. There might be someone (friend of a friend) who can look over the instructions and your record and give you a "sidewalk consultation".

On the other hand, you could just list it anyway. You are 26 and these things happened >6 years ago and you had a rougher than usual road to medical school. I wouldn't expect an adcom to hang you for those offenses; if anything, they show what a long way you've come despite a poor start in life.

I looked into the state statutes and my violations (one of which at age 16, ie a juvenile) are not misdemeanors nor arrests, but rather administrative actions (i.e., a 6 month driver's license suspension).

"A violation of this section is neither a traffic infraction nor a criminal offense, nor does being detained pursuant to this section constitute an arrest. A violation of this section is subject to the administrative action provisions of this section. . . Administrative actions taken pursuant to this section shall be recorded in the motor vehicle records maintained by the department."

Couple with the AMCAS instructions regarding felony/misdemeanor convictions:

1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile,
2-4) ...
You need NOT disclose any instance where you:

• were arrested, but not charged;
• were arrested and charged, but the charges were dropped;
• were arrested and charged, but found not guilty by a judge or jury;
• were arrested and found guilty by a judge or jury, but the conviction was overturned on appeal; or
• received an executive pardon.

So, what I think is that it doesn't make sense to put them in the primary applications as the instructions explicitly state that my situation (which is not even called an arrest) is a situation where I do not need to include it. (Maybe I should anyways?) I imagine if it is asked differently, more openly/broadly, in the secondaries I will of course not lie nor omit any details that are asked of me.

I think I agree with the legislation here because, in my view, the intention is to not have people be held responsible for the remainder of their life for decisions made before they are even 20.

 

[bannie22]

The Case Western kid got his MD degree taken away from him retroactively for one DUI.

The precedent has been set. I believe in chances, but I also recognize that when there is a precedent, significant information and evidence needs to be presented in order to change the status quo.

 

[Goro]

1) No
2) No
3) Yes
4) You check the box for this and explain it, period. Own this, and no excuses.
5) You don't need it.

You have successfully displayed what I call "long periods of exemplary behavior" which will allays any fears that Adcoms may have.

Now pay very careful attention: if you do well on MCAT, aim high!!!

I am wondering (1) is this an app killer, (2) is this an app limiter, (3) do I report my violations if they are essentially not on my record, (4) how do I present this in the app section, (5) how do I go about seeking legal advice (yellow pages?). Please be brutally honest.[/QUOTE]

 

[mysturi0us]

The Case Western kid got his MD degree taken away from him retroactively for one DUI.

The precedent has been set. I believe in chances, but I also recognize that when there is a precedent, significant information and evidence needs to be presented in order to change the status quo.

If we're talking about the same kid, he did more than just DUI. He had a bad rep while he was attending CWRU. Actually, I'm not sure if he even got a DUI. But his revocation was due to lack of "professionalism"

"During his five years of medical training, CWRU's Committee on Students had disciplined Al-Dabagh, alleging he tried to cover up three late attendances; was rude at a 2012 dance; tried to skirt a cab fare by jumping out of the moving car; was the target of complaints from a patient's family; and gave patient case summaries where he might not have personally examined the patient."

 

[osckey]

Get a background check performed on yourself for your own purposes. If anything pops up you'll have to deal with the implications. It's all up to the adcom members and their personal opinions on how forgiving they are towards an action such as driving while intoxicated.

 

[sat0ri]

4) You check the box for this and explain it, period. Own this, and no excuses.

Thanks goro, I was hoping you (and the other SDN pantheon) would grace this thread with your presence.

I have no problems with being honest with myself and honest on my application. However, I'm no longer sure if the primary is the best location for this, as it ask for misdemeanors and arrests -- which legally, it seems, are not a part of my record (though administrative actions likely are). I've included the relevant state statute belowShould I use the "misdemeanor/felony" section, stating though this does not technically qualify, I should mention dot dot dot? Obviously, I do not want to lie by omission or do anything that is considered unethical but neither do I want to advertise the worst parts about me and my history. I have not started the AACOMAS yet, so maybe there will be a section for it there?

Another idea is to bring this out in the forefront in my personal statement. I do plan on writing about my rough and damnable start into adulthood, but I'm not sure if the legality is worth the prime real estate of the the personal statement.

"A violation of this section is neither a traffic infraction nor a criminal offense, nor does being detained pursuant to this section constitute an arrest. A violation of this section is subject to the administrative action provisions of this section. . . Administrative actions taken pursuant to this section shall be recorded in the motor vehicle records maintained by the department."

.

 

[cuphea]

I do not think you need to disclose any of this on the primary- as it does not apply to you. However, make sure to read the secondaries carefully and when in doubt disclose. Considering the time that has passed and your work ethic, your offenses will most likely be irrelevant.

 

[Goro]

It's usually the secondary that gets more specific about misdeeds.

Thanks goro, I was hoping you (and the other SDN pantheon) would grace this thread with your presence.

I have no problems with being honest with myself and honest on my application. However, I'm no longer sure if the primary is the best location for this, as it ask for misdemeanors and arrests -- which legally, it seems, are not a part of my record (though administrative actions likely are). I've included the relevant state statute belowShould I use the "misdemeanor/felony" section, stating though this does not technically qualify, I should mention dot dot dot? Obviously, I do not want to lie by omission or do anything that is considered unethical but neither do I want to advertise the worst parts about me and my history. I have not started the AACOMAS yet, so maybe there will be a section for it there?

Another idea is to bring this out in the forefront in my personal statement. I do plan on writing about my rough and damnable start into adulthood, but I'm not sure if the legality is worth the prime real estate of the the personal statement.


.

 

[LizzyM]

Putting things in the application that are not asked for are a waste of my time... "I stole an apple from the lunchroom in 8th grade but Mrs. Binder let me off with a warning." Read the instructions, follow the instructions, sleep well. When it comes to the secondaries, read carefully, follow the instructions to the letter. If the instructions are unclear, send an email and get a response from an admissions official in writing.

 

[bannie22]

If we're talking about the same kid, he did more than just DUI. He had a bad rep while he was attending CWRU. Actually, I'm not sure if he even got a DUI. But his revocation was due to lack of "professionalism"

"During his five years of medical training, CWRU's Committee on Students had disciplined Al-Dabagh, alleging he tried to cover up three late attendances; was rude at a 2012 dance; tried to skirt a cab fare by jumping out of the moving car; was the target of complaints from a patient's family; and gave patient case summaries where he might not have personally examined the patient."

We really think all of that combined even comes close to driving under the influence?

Regardless, I recognize thats not the point of this thread. If the questions are ambiguous get a lawyer to look over everything and answer them per their instruction. They have their own license to worry about.

 

[7331poas]

I think you have a compelling story and a long period of time without trouble which counts for something. God help us if we were all judged by what we did before we turned 21.

I and most of the rest of the applicant pool did not have 2 felonies and a misdemeanor before 21. I think you are operating on a false comparison here.

That being said, OP if you don't apply at all you will not get in. If you do apply then schools may overlook it. There is no reason not to apply.

 

[sat0ri]

I and most of the rest of the applicant pool did not have 2 felonies and a misdemeanor before 21. I think you are operating on a false comparison here.

That being said, OP if you don't apply at all you will not get in. If you do apply then schools may overlook it. There is no reason not to apply.

Again, the actions are -- under the state law -- not misdemeanors, definitely not felonies, not arrests even. The open container happened when I was about 15, so it is part of my juvenile record.

Realizing that everyone is not from a background that is the same as your own has to be one of the most important skills entering medicine, and it'd be nice if you started showing that here.


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[LizzyM]

I and most of the rest of the applicant pool did not have 2 felonies and a misdemeanor before 21. I think you are operating on a false comparison here.

For many, it was only due to never having been caught -- or having a good lawyer. The point is, many (most?) adolescents do stupid, dangerous and even illegal things. It is part of living with a immature brain. As we grow and mature, behavior changes. I would never judge an adult by the behavior they demonstrated as an adolescent.

 

[7331poas]

For many, it was only due to never having been caught -- or having a good lawyer. The point is, many (most?) adolescents do stupid, dangerous and even illegal things. It is part of living with a immature brain. As we grow and mature, behavior changes. I would never judge an adult by the behavior they demonstrated as an adolescent.

We can just agree to disagree I suppose. Cops also work on the understanding that you are talking about. It takes a certain situation to get caught AND the cops to charge you with the act AND the prosecution to go the lengths to pursue the case.

 

[hopefulERdoc251]

For many, it was only due to never having been caught -- or having a good lawyer. The point is, many (most?) adolescents do stupid, dangerous and even illegal things. It is part of living with a immature brain. As we grow and mature, behavior changes. I would never judge an adult by the behavior they demonstrated as an adolescent.

I think more like "all". Stupid isn't just breaking the law lol.

 

[Anonymous_42]

See my thread. There is hope. Good luck! http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/getting-into-med-school-with-a-dui-misdemeanor.1220372/

 

[DokterMom]

Just wanted to see how your cycle is going so far @sat0ri -- Missed this first time through, so by now, you will have done whatever it is you decided to do.

FWIW, my suggestion would have been to integrate your legal misadventures into a compelling turnaround story where you liberally dump on the 'young and foolish' you but show how much you've grown -- as you clearly have - wow! As to getting specific on charges, I'd probably advocate 'selective secondaries' where you potentially decide not to return some that ask too explicitly in yes/no ways about things in a way that forces you to disclose. But also to disclose vaguely (charges that you "believe have been fully dismissed") to others.

'Turnaround' candidates can be compelling, providing you've got sufficient 'good time' under your belt. From what you've written, it sounds like you may have had a drinking problem - or certainly some problematic drinking behaviors - that you've overcome. If you can be specific about any counseling or programs, that could help --