General Question Regarding Expunged Records and Secondaries

[Messier83]

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I've done a search on the topic and couldn't find a definitive answer so was hoping some of you would be kind enough to opine on this.


I have a nonviolent misdemeanor that is currently in the process of being expunged. The Primary Application asks not to include expunged records, but what about the secondaries?

I understand it's school specific but in general, do most of them ask about "Charges" (to which you must always answer yes despite having it expunged)?

(Let me clarify that I would much rather include the misdemeanor right off the bat on the primaries - I do not mind disclosing it since it was a positive learning experience for me which helped me develop as a person.)

 

[lmn]

From what I remember differently schools ask in different manners that would require different responses. If they ask if you were arrested or charged, you may have to say yes, where as if they ask convicted or non-expunged, you might be able to say no. I would recommend waiting until you receive the secondaries and consulting with your lawyer for how you should respond to them individually.

 

[Judson]

You are not alone, I have been in trouble with the law myself. From what I've been told it's best to be 100% open and honest about it. Withholding the information might get you into certain schools that will expel you if found out later. Most schools will let misdemeanors slide if they are not theft, violence, DUI and maybe some others. For any misdemeanor offense, one can still get accepted if there is significant evidence of change and growth. An expunged record still shows up in federal background checks. I know this because I wasn't allowed to join the air force because of my expunged misdemeanor. Like @lmn said, you can get a lawyer if you want to be 100% sure of your options. Personally, I will not be getting a lawyer. I don't care to attend a school that refuses to support second chances for human mistakes. Hope this helps and good luck with your applications/interviews!

Edit: Also, make sure to emphasize that it is expunged and the amount of time it has been since you were convicted.

 

[Messier83]

You are not alone, I have been in trouble with the law myself. From what I've been told it's best to be 100% open and honest about it. Withholding the information might get you into certain schools that will expel you if found out later. Most schools will let misdemeanors slide if they are not theft, violence, DUI and maybe some others. For any misdemeanor offense, one can still get accepted if there is significant evidence of change and growth. An expunged record still shows up in federal background checks. I know this because I wasn't allowed to join the air force because of my expunged misdemeanor. Like @lmn said, you can get a lawyer if you want to be 100% sure of your options. Personally, I will not be getting a lawyer. I don't care to attend a school that refuses to support second chances for human mistakes. Hope this helps and good luck with your applications/interviews!

Edit: Also, make sure to emphasize that it is expunged and the amount of time it has been since you were convicted.

Thanks for the reply, Judson. My misdemeanor is on the serious side but has no aspect of moral turpitude. I'm with you on being an open-book about it though.

I've called a few schools a while back - while a misdemeanor is not an an application-killer, lying certainly is. With that being said, overdisclosing seems to be the safer road,

Btw, Sorry about the airforce situation, but it looks like youre bouncing back higher than many people ever get. Good luck on your apps!

 

[Messier83]

From what I remember differently schools ask in different manners that would require different responses. If they ask if you were arrested or charged, you may have to say yes, where as if they ask convicted or non-expunged, you might be able to say no. I would recommend waiting until you receive the secondaries and consulting with your lawyer for how you should respond to them individually.

Noted, thank you. I know this is a bit of a minefield so if anything I'll err on the side of caution.