DUI Disclosure to recently accepted school

[Help_throwaway]

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So I have a DUI from 5 years ago. I got it in a state where it is considered a traffic forfeiture, and so I did not disclose it under "misdemeanor/felony" on AMCAS. I disclosed it on secondaries as I was asked. It is a fine line to walk, because it isn't a misdemeanor or felony. I didn't want to unnecessarily disclose, but I also didn't want to hide anything I was asked for.

I don't believe I disclosed to the school I am holding my acceptance at. They asked "have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, other than a minor traffic violation?" I answered no, because I haven't been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, it was a traffic forfeiture. Now for orientation, there is a self-disclosure form specifically asking about DUIs.

I am obviously going to answer honestly, but am wondering what to do. I didn't disclose on my secondary, and I am wondering if I should just answer and let it be, if I should call the personal counselor for the medical school listed on the self-disclosure form, or call the dean of admissions to explain the situation. I don't want to come off as "I intentionally hid something" but I don't want this to necessarily go unaddressed either, since it's such an odd case and I honestly had no idea how to answer a lot of my secondary questions.

Advice and input would be appreciated. Thanks, guys.

 

[Shjanzey]

I just submitted a background check to my new school. I assume that if I had a DUI it would be reflected on that report.

Best to just own up and if you are asked about it later I guess you can say that you thought it was an ambiguous question, however I think many people would consider it obvious that a DUI is easily classified as a "minor traffic violation."

Obviously the school has the right to refuse admission, however in your favor it happened five years ago. This is enough time to prove you have seen the error of your ways.

I think @LizzyM or @Goro could give a more definitive answer to this one.

 

[Help_throwaway]

I just submitted a background check to my new school. I assume that if I had a DUI it would be reflected on that report.

Best to just own up and if you are asked about it later I guess you can say that you thought it was an ambiguous question, however I think many people would consider it obvious that a DUI is easily classified as a "minor traffic violation."

Obviously the school has the right to refuse admission, however in your favor it happened five years ago. This is enough time to prove you have seen the error of your ways.

I think @LizzyM or @Goro could give a more definitive answer to this one.

I had background checks at other acceptances. It didn't show up. It is NOT a misdemeanor or felony, I'm 100% positive. It is a traffic forfeiture. That's it. That's why it was so tough to answer the secondary questions. I don't consider a DUI a minor traffic offense, but it's also simply not a misdemeanor or felony in the state where I received it. I wasn't going to answer "have you been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony?" by checking the yes box, then saying "actually no, but all other states would consider it as such". I didn't know what to do.

So it's not that I thought the question was ambiguous. It wasn't confusing. I just knew I had a weird, exceptional case and didn't know how to handle it. I feel like I should let them deal with the information as they see fit, with an explanation on the self disclosure form. They can call me if they have questions? I just. Blah. I don't know.

 

[Goro]

This is lawyer territory. I personally don't believe that a DUI is a "minor traffic violation"...that's for parking tickets or speeding.

I also believe it's always best to be up front about such things.

I just submitted a background check to my new school. I assume that if I had a DUI it would be reflected on that report.

Best to just own up and if you are asked about it later I guess you can say that you thought it was an ambiguous question, however I think many people would consider it obvious that a DUI is easily classified as a "minor traffic violation."

Obviously the school has the right to refuse admission, however in your favor it happened five years ago. This is enough time to prove you have seen the error of your ways.

I think @LizzyM or @Goro could give a more definitive answer to this one.

 

[Help_throwaway]

This is lawyer territory. I personally don't believe that a DUI is a "minor traffic violation"...that's for parking tickets or speeding.

I also believe it's always best to be up front about such things.

Hey, thanks for the response. Again, it's not that I consider it minor. It's that the question was asking if I had a misdemeanor or felony conviction, and I don't. I know a DUI isn't minor. It's also not a misdemeanor or felony. Since it's classified as a traffic forfeiture, I went with that.

What is your suggestion for my course of action?

 

[Mr Roboto]

I honestly had no idea how to answer a lot of my secondary questions.

If you had no idea how to answer, you should have clarified with the admissions office while applying. I feel like they'd have been more understanding then.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[Help_throwaway]

If you had no idea how to answer, you should have clarified with the admissions office while applying. I feel like they'd have been more understanding then.

Hope it works out for you.

Fair enough. I guess I just took each secondary as it came, and answered the question as best I could. I disclosed to the schools that asked, and didn't to those that didn't. I wasn't trying to be deceitful and. Just don't want it to seem that way.

Thanks.

 

[DokterMom]

"In MyOldState, a DUI is classified as a traffic forfeiture, not a felony or misdemeanor, so I was able to answer your "felony or misdemeanor" question truthfully in the negative. However, as you are now asking specifically about DUIs, I want to be truthful here as well. Five years ago, when I was young and stupid, I blah blah blah... Fortunately, I have learned from my mistake and been sober/responsible, yada yada yada since. "

Draft your answer, but do check with your lawyer before sending it --

 

[Help_throwaway]

"In MyOldState, a DUI is classified as a traffic forfeiture, not a felony or misdemeanor, so I was able to answer your "felony or misdemeanor" question truthfully in the negative. However, as you are now asking specifically about DUIs, I want to be truthful here as well. Five years ago, when I was young and stupid, I blah blah blah... Fortunately, I have learned from my mistake and been sober/responsible, yada yada yada since. "

Draft your answer, but do check with your lawyer before sending it --

So write this in the self-disclosure form and leave it be? And trust me, checked with lawyers in the family/my SO is lawyer/outside lawyers before applying. I did NOT want to lie, but I also wasn't going to mark that I've been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony if I haven't. You don't think I should call admissions? The form itself doesn't even really look related to admissions, it looks like a form for the school therapist, whose contact information is listed if I should have any questions. I'd like to address the discrepancy, but I also don't want to make a big deal and call the dean up if there's not reason to.

Thanks for your response, by the way. This is very well worded and I'll be using something similar to it on the self-disclosure form.

 

[Entadus]

So if I'm understanding this correctly, it's possible to drive under the influence and not reveal this to the admissions committee until after you've been accepted? Really?

Seems like there should be a "DUI" check-box on AMCAS, no?

 

[Help_throwaway]

So if I'm understanding this correctly, it's possible to drive under the influence and not reveal this to the admissions committee until after you've been accepted? Really?

Seems like there should be a "DUI" check-box on AMCAS, no?

It's only relevant in 1/50 states I believe, which is probably why they don't feel the need to have it as a separate check box. I just come from a weird state and have a weird exception. I didn't check misdemeanor/felony because it's a traffic ticket with a monetary fine, not a criminal offense. I wasn't trying to hide anything.

 

[lmn]

So if I'm understanding this correctly, it's possible to drive under the influence and not reveal this to the admissions committee until after you've been accepted? Really?

Seems like there should be a "DUI" check-box on AMCAS, no?

Read the whole posts/thread, he explained multiple times why it wasn't a felony or misdemeanor which a DUI normally is.

 

[Help_throwaway]

As an addendum, it looks like the self-disclosure form is for mental health/counseling purposes. Still going to be honest, obviously. Just doesn't seem to be very related to the admissions office, mostly stuff about illicit drug use, diagnosed mental disorders, hospitalizations for mental illness, rehab, and the number for the school counselor on it. I am going to write about my mistake, say I've been extremely cautious with alcohol since, so on and so forth.

I don't, at this time, think I should overreact and call the dean. I'm not exactly sure the purpose of the self-disclosure form, which is making planning my course of action even harder. I might call the number listed for the counselor and explain the situation tomorrow? 🙁

 

[xffan624]

As an addendum, it looks like the self-disclosure form is for mental health/counseling purposes. Still going to be honest, obviously. Just doesn't seem to be very related to the admissions office, mostly stuff about illicit drug use, diagnosed mental disorders, hospitalizations for mental illness, rehab, and the number for the school counselor on it. I am going to write about my mistake, say I've been extremely cautious with alcohol since, so on and so forth.

I don't, at this time, think I should overreact and call the dean. I'm not exactly sure the purpose of the self-disclosure form, which is making planning my course of action even harder. I might call the number listed for the counselor and explain the situation tomorrow? 🙁

Given its nature, I doubt this form will be reported to the school so you are probably ok disclosing it. Contact the counselor referenced and ask whether this information will be reported to the school or not. Either way you should disclose it, but if the form is not reported to the school then you can eliminate some anxiety regarding disclosing it.

 

[DK2014]

So I have a DUI from 5 years ago. I got it in a state where it is considered a traffic forfeiture, and so I did not disclose it under "misdemeanor/felony" on AMCAS. I disclosed it on secondaries as I was asked. It is a fine line to walk, because it isn't a misdemeanor or felony. I didn't want to unnecessarily disclose, but I also didn't want to hide anything I was asked for.

I don't believe I disclosed to the school I am holding my acceptance at. They asked "have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, other than a minor traffic violation?" I answered no, because I haven't been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, it was a traffic forfeiture. Now for orientation, there is a self-disclosure form specifically asking about DUIs.

I am obviously going to answer honestly, but am wondering what to do. I didn't disclose on my secondary, and I am wondering if I should just answer and let it be, if I should call the personal counselor for the medical school listed on the self-disclosure form, or call the dean of admissions to explain the situation. I don't want to come off as "I intentionally hid something" but I don't want this to necessarily go unaddressed either, since it's such an odd case and I honestly had no idea how to answer a lot of my secondary questions.

Advice and input would be appreciated. Thanks, guys.

"I am obviously going to answer honestly, but am wondering what to do". You answered your own question buddy. You got to be honest about these things, just own up to your past mistake and hope for the best. The last thing you want is this DUI to suddenly pop up in your third year when hospitals background check you as you begin rotations, only to find out your school kicks you out because you didn't state you had a DUI on a form from two years ago.

 

[Help_throwaway]

"I am obviously going to answer honestly, but am wondering what to do". You answered your own question buddy. You got to be honest about these things, just own up to your past mistake and hope for the best. The last thing you want is this DUI to suddenly pop up in your third year when hospitals background check you as you begin rotations, only to find out your school kicks you out because you didn't state you had a DUI on a form from two years ago.

If you had read the entire post, which you haven't, you'd see that I have 100% intention of disclosing the DUI on the form. That is not in question. My questions are regarding who I should contact, if anyone at all, and what action needs to be taken to make sure that my situation is known. I don't want to call the dean for a fairly unrelated mental health form, but I'm not going to lie. You don't need to be condescending or judgmental, telling me to disclose and "be honest" means you haven't read the thread.

As stated, I didn't hide my DUI. It isn't a misdemeanor or felony, which is the only reason why I didn't disclose it as a misdemeanor or felony.

 

[Help_throwaway]

Given its nature, I doubt this form will be reported to the school so you are probably ok disclosing it. Contact the counselor referenced and ask whether this information will be reported to the school or not. Either way you should disclose it, but if the form is not reported to the school then you can eliminate some anxiety regarding disclosing it.

That's the plan! Disclose, and call the counselor tomorrow to ask how much information is relayed to the school. That sounds shady. Just say something briefly explaining my situation? I have a ticket I didn't report on AMCAS/the secondary because it's not a misdemeanor or felony, but I'm wondering if it's going to be disclosed to the school now and if I should call someone else to explain the situation? Ugh. I don't want to call the dean for the supplemental self-disclosure form, but I also don't want it to look like I lied and failed to report a misdemeanor/felony on my primary/secondary.

I'll probably include a brief sentence or two in my explanation with the self-disclosure saying what DokterMom said above.

 

[DK2014]

If you had read the entire post, which you haven't, you'd see that I have 100% intention of disclosing the DUI on the form. That is not in question. My questions are regarding who I should contact, if anyone at all, and what action needs to be taken to make sure that my situation is known. I don't want to call the dean for a fairly unrelated mental health form, but I'm not going to lie. You don't need to be condescending or judgmental, telling me to disclose and "be honest" means you haven't read the thread.

As stated, I didn't hide my DUI. It isn't a misdemeanor or felony, which is the only reason why I didn't disclose it as a misdemeanor or felony.

No need to contact anyone. You may contact the dean if you wish and you just want to set things straight. I'd ask a lawyer first to be honest.

And no, i was not being condescending.

 

[Planes2Doc]

So is traffic forefeiture essentially equivalent to something like a speeding ticket which doesn't go on your record? If that's the case, then boy did you get a lucky break! Here in Illinois, they will bust your ass for a DUI.

 

[lmn]

That's the plan! Disclose, and call the counselor tomorrow to ask how much information is relayed to the school. That sounds shady. Just say something briefly explaining my situation? I have a ticket I didn't report on AMCAS/the secondary because it's not a misdemeanor or felony, but I'm wondering if it's going to be disclosed to the school now and if I should call someone else to explain the situation? Ugh. I don't want to call the dean for the supplemental self-disclosure form, but I also don't want it to look like I lied and failed to report a misdemeanor/felony on my primary/secondary.

I'll probably include a brief sentence or two in my explanation with the self-disclosure saying what DokterMom said above.

Was the only question on the form the DUI? If it has other medical/personal issues I don't think it would seem strange at all to ask if it remains confidential and not reported to the school/admissions

 

[Help_throwaway]

So is traffic forefeiture essentially equivalent to something like a speeding ticket which doesn't go on your record? If that's the case, then boy did you get a lucky break! Here in Illinois, they will bust your ass for a DUI.

Yeah, it's a traffic ticket. You pay a fee (a large one), and I had my license suspended for a few months. I also had to go to an alcohol assessment, which I "passed" (whatever that means) and I didn't have to do a class/therapy. So I got off very easy. To be fair, I also WASN'T driving. Parked in a car with keys in the ignition, trying to stay warm in winter while a friend came to pick me up. Still a stupid, stupid thing to do. I'm just glad it didn't tank my future.

And yeah, Illinois is like the other 48 states.

 

[Help_throwaway]

Was the only question on the form the DUI? If it has other medical/personal issues I don't think it would seem strange at all to ask if it remains confidential and not reported to the school/admissions

No, it's a bunch of medical/personal issues. Other questions are about illicit drug use and if you're in rehab for it, have you been hospitalized for mental health issues. Stuff like that, without getting into too much detail. Seems pretty confidential. Not sure if a school can ask if you're mentally ill and use it against you? Which is why I'm hesitant to call the dean.

 

[magicaldinosaur]

I'm glad to know that me being one second late for the green light (red light camera) is the same as driving under the influence in your book. Clearly you had to know you were lying from the start?

 

[Planes2Doc]

Yeah, it's a traffic ticket. You pay a fee (a large one), and I had my license suspended for a few months. I also had to go to an alcohol assessment, which I "passed" (whatever that means) and I didn't have to do a class/therapy. So I got off very easy. To be fair, I also WASN'T driving. Parked in a car with keys in the ignition, trying to stay warm in winter while a friend came to pick me up. Still a stupid, stupid thing to do. I'm just glad it didn't tank my future.

And yeah, Illinois is like the other 48 states.

Ouch that's rough! I know people who used to do that to sober up, until they realized that they could get arrested for DUI. It sucks, but these days, everyone I know usually has a designated driver.

Also I figured it was Wisconsin when I googled it. Good luck!!!

 

[Help_throwaway]

I'm glad to know that me being one second late for the green light (red light camera) is the same as driving under the influence in your book. Clearly you had to know you were lying from the start?

Explained above, I don't think anyone thinks I lied. I was not convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.

Stay upset, keep running red lights.

 

[aspirantmed]

Explain the circumstances thoroughly and keep your fingers crossed that you're able to make this work out. If you have issues, consider getting your undergraduate school's pre-medical advising and/or academic deans to vouch on your behalf, and try to make as strong a push as you can while staying polite. I hope you're able to make this work out; it's unfortunate that something like this is still coming back to bite you.

 

[Help_throwaway]

Ouch that's rough! I know people who used to do that to sober up, until they realized that they could get arrested for DUI. It sucks, but these days, everyone I know usually has a designated driver.

Also I figured it was Wisconsin when I googled it. Good luck!!!

Yeah, and I should have had a designated driver. I was young, I was stupid, I was going out with people older than me so they could have a few drinks and drive (reasonably), it was just a stupid situation. I was an idiot. I'm lucky, as always, to live in Wisconsin.

Learned from it, haven't done it since. Thanks for the luck, I hope I don't need it.

 

[Planes2Doc]

http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/charges-for-wisconsin-owidui

It sounds like it's indeed a civil matter, and not a misdemeanor or felony. Wow, talk about luck!

I'm not a lawyer, but I think the OP is pretty safe.

 

[DK2014]

Explained above, I don't think anyone thinks I lied. I was not convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.

Stay upset, keep running red lights.

lol, hope you don't talk to the dean about this matter like you are talking to us in this thread

 

[Help_throwaway]

lol, hope you don't talk to the dean about this matter like you are talking to us in this thread

Well, you told me I should be honest, which wasn't relevant because I said in my OP "obviously I'm disclosing", and this person told me I'm a liar, which I'm not. See the link Planes2Doc posted above.

http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/charges-for-wisconsin-owidui

It sounds like it's indeed a civil matter, and not a misdemeanor or felony. Wow, talk about luck!

I'm not a lawyer, but I think the OP is pretty safe.

Thanks for posting this. I really didn't lie. It's 100% not a criminal charge here, I looked into it forwards and backwards. And yeah, I am EXTREMELY lucky, though I did have to disclose on >50% of my apps, I'd estimate.

 

[Help_throwaway]

lol, hope you don't talk to the dean about this matter like you are talking to us in this thread

Sorry. I'm really not trying to be rude. But that guy came in, didn't read anything that was posted, and told me I knew I was lying. It's frustrating.

 

[Entadus]

Sorry. I'm really not trying to be rude. But that guy came in, didn't read anything that was posted, and told me I knew I was lying. It's frustrating.

EDIT: my comment wasn't productive.

 

[Help_throwaway]

EDIT: my comment wasn't productive.

 

[Help_throwaway]

EDIT: my comment wasn't productive.

I guess I don't get how a 5 year old DUI, when I have matriculated to and graduated from college since, with solid MCAT/GPA/ECs means I'll be a worse med student/doctor. It was a mistake. I'm sorry, but people coming into the thread not for advice but to scold me or complain about my state's laws, just doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[LizzyM]

Look, it sounds to me like this is a self-disclosure form to the school psychologist so that they can identify students who might be "at risk" when stressed. I would find it highly unlikely, and inappropriate, for that information to get back to admissions which has no "need to know."

 

[gookies]

I guess I don't get how a 5 year old DUI, when I have matriculated to and graduated from college since, with solid MCAT/GPA/ECs means I'll be a worse med student/doctor. It was a mistake. I'm sorry, but people coming into the thread not for advice but to scold me or complain about my state's laws, just doesn't make much sense to me.

Because stats don't mean everything? A DUI is a DUI. Could you tell me what that acronym is? Yes, I read that you weren't "driving", but as you can see, each state has its own definitions and laws regarding things. Seems like you don't understand that while driving under the influence is the complete opposite of what you're trying to do compared to going to medical school. I'm guessing that doesn't show you that you might have the potential to become a worse doctor. Yes, time has passed and I understand people can change, but also relate that to someone who committed academic dishonesty (ex. cheating) from 5 years back. I'm pretty sure it'll still be kind of difficult for them to get in after 5 years and with great stats. Why would medical schools bother taking the risk/chance? (Not saying they never do) Also, my advice to you, as some others recommended is to talk to a lawyer and get something documented just to cover your a**.

 

[DokterMom]

That's the plan! Disclose, and call the counselor tomorrow to ask how much information is relayed to the school. That sounds shady. Just say something briefly explaining my situation? I have a ticket I didn't report on AMCAS/the secondary because it's not a misdemeanor or felony, but I'm wondering if it's going to be disclosed to the school now and if I should call someone else to explain the situation? Ugh. I don't want to call the dean for the supplemental self-disclosure form, but I also don't want it to look like I lied and failed to report a misdemeanor/felony on my primary/secondary.

No need to draw any extra attention to the matter by phoning the counselor or the dean. If the form is about mental health issues, disclose the old problem, the 'treatment', the lesson learned and move on. You were honest in your other disclosures, so treat it as a non-event and I'm betting it will be; look for trouble, and I'm betting you can find some...

 

[terminallychill]

If you had read the entire post, which you haven't, you'd see that I have 100% intention of disclosing the DUI on the form. That is not in question. My questions are regarding who I should contact, if anyone at all, and what action needs to be taken to make sure that my situation is known. I don't want to call the dean for a fairly unrelated mental health form, but I'm not going to lie. You don't need to be condescending or judgmental, telling me to disclose and "be honest" means you haven't read the thread.

As stated, I didn't hide my DUI. It isn't a misdemeanor or felony, which is the only reason why I didn't disclose it as a misdemeanor or felony.

I have a friend in a startingly similar situation to yours. One option (which I don't necessarily advocate) would be to email the dean of admissions explaining your conundrum: you obviously didn't lie because AMCAS asks for misdemeanors and felonies.

But strictly from a logical point of view: yes they might run the background check and it may show up. In that case, they will email you asking you to explain yourself. At that point you will explain the truth and why you didn't put it (because they didn't ask for it).

Look man honestly, if they drop your acceptance because of something as ridiculous as you answering the truth, you probably shouldn't waste your time on that school.

EDIT: also, this is 5 years ago. I'm sure you've grown and changed as a person. I can't help but laugh at the sheltered geeks who say OMG NEVER LET HIM PRACTICE MEDICINE.

 

[TxC]

I have a friend in a startingly similar situation to yours. One option (which I don't necessarily advocate) would be to email the dean of admissions explaining your conundrum: you obviously didn't lie because AMCAS asks for misdemeanors and felonies.

But strictly from a logical point of view: yes they might run the background check and it may show up. In that case, they will email you asking you to explain yourself. At that point you will explain the truth and why you didn't put it (because they didn't ask for it).

Look man honestly, if they drop your acceptance because of something as ridiculous as you answering the truth, you probably shouldn't waste your time on that school.

EDIT: also, this is 5 years ago. I'm sure you've grown and changed as a person. I can't help but laugh at the sheltered geeks who say OMG NEVER LET HIM PRACTICE MEDICINE.

I really hope OP isn't still looking for advice 8 months later.

 

[terminallychill]

I really hope OP isn't still looking for advice 8 months later.

Yeah, I hope not either. That would be harsh. I just figured in the off-chance he/she is, I might as well chime in.