interview offered then charged with DWI

[virginiaguy]

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Not too long ago, i was offered an interview at a school, which is coming up. Recently though, I made a huge mistake and was charged with a misdemeanor (dwi) and have to go to court which will be at a later date than my interview. Should I inform the school of this pending misdemeanor charge or wait until/if I get convicted? If I nail the interview, how much of an impact will it have on my profile? When do most schools do background checks? If I get accepted and it is still pending, is it possible for the school to revoke the acceptance if I never mentioned it?

I screwed it all up and in a real mess right now and getting pretty depressed about it....

any thoughts?

 

[doc3232]

Not too long ago, i was offered an interview at a school, which is coming up. Recently though, I made a huge mistake and was charged with a misdemeanor (dwi) and have to go to court which will be at a later date than my interview. Should I inform the school of this pending misdemeanor charge or wait until/if I get convicted? If I nail the interview, how much of an impact will it have on my profile? When do most schools do background checks? If I get accepted and it is still pending, is it possible for the school to revoke the acceptance if I never mentioned it?

I screwed it all up and in a real mess right now and getting pretty depressed about it....

any thoughts?

Hmmm...Well, you put yourself in a bad position. You do have to tell them eventually and they are smart. They will know you had the chance to tell them but didn't (if you wait till after the interview or after the acceptance). That might piss them off.
good luck buddy

 

[Stephie3]

an entire career jeopardized by one night of careless drinking *shakes head*

 

[Stephie3]

one night of bad choices can cost you dearly. you shouldn't ever drink and drive again. i don't think manslaughter looks very good on applications for dental licensures

 

[Leebo]

an entire career jeopardized by one night of careless drinking *shakes head*

one night of bad choices can cost you dearly. you shouldn't ever drink and drive again. i don't think manslaughter looks very good on applications for dental licensures

I think its pretty clear that he already recognizes that it was a bad mistake.

 

[sugarsting]

Apparently everyone thinks you're a horrible person 🙄, which is not helpful. I think you can probably consider your chances shot for this cycle. Given that you have nothing to lose, you may want to call the schools you applied to or send a letter somehow justifying or apologizing for your actions, because, as was said, they WILL find out somehow.

Obviously you're aware you made a big mistake, now focus on showing this to the schools. Don't be too depressed. Anyone is capable of making a mistake. Try to focus on the positive like how you can fix the situation, and be aware that it's likely you won't get in this cycle. But I don't think this will keep you from going to DS altogether.

I definitely suggest consulting your school's pre-professional advisor or something similar.

 

[doc3232]

Apparently everyone thinks you're a horrible person 🙄, which is not helpful. I think you can probably consider your chances shot for this cycle. Given that you have nothing to lose, you may want to call the schools you applied to or send a letter somehow justifying or apologizing for your actions, because, as was said, they WILL find out somehow.

Obviously you're aware you made a big mistake, now focus on showing this to the schools. Don't be too depressed. Anyone is capable of making a mistake. Try to focus on the positive like how you can fix the situation, and be aware that it's likely you won't get in this cycle. But I don't think this will keep you from going to DS altogether.

I definitely suggest consulting your school's pre-professional advisor or something similar.

I realize OP recognizes he made a mistake but drinking while driving kills...
I think an advisor would have better advice than anyone here.

 

[CrazyTeeth]

Not too long ago, i was offered an interview at a school, which is coming up. Recently though, I made a huge mistake and was charged with a misdemeanor (dwi) and have to go to court which will be at a later date than my interview. Should I inform the school of this pending misdemeanor charge or wait until/if I get convicted? If I nail the interview, how much of an impact will it have on my profile? When do most schools do background checks? If I get accepted and it is still pending, is it possible for the school to revoke the acceptance if I never mentioned it?

I screwed it all up and in a real mess right now and getting pretty depressed about it....

any thoughts?

Considering that either way, they will find out that you have this... I would say you should let them know in advance and see if they are willing to accept you if you're clear of charges. Otherwise, you'd just be wasting your money attending the interview. Please let us keep us informed of what you decide and how things go? Good luck w/ everything!

 

[Palmetto914]

Absolutely, 100%, no question...you should take the initiative to inform them. A DWI is bad enough, but deliberately hiding it or "forgetting" to mention it is even worse. They very well may end your interview on the spot and send you packing, but imagine the ramifications if they find out you tried to hide it from them...Next cycle comes around, you'll have to disclose that on your app, and other schools (because your chances at the other school is now zero) ask you about the previous cycle...then they'll know you lied about it the previous year, and you're rejected again! Well...that's at least one way it could go down...

 

[yuppers]

Most of the questions you asked can only be answered by the schools.... not other predents. My advice: let the schools know. I would even call them soon and ask to see if the interview is still worth going to. If interview is still on then show the remorse you seem to have. But dont say something like Im a changed, new person blah blah when it is just after the fact..... that just seems so fake. Say what you did is wrong, how it will (future tense not the past) change you, and how it is a lesson in life that you want to learn from and teach others about. Then do some things that somethinpostiv mentioned.

 

[Dent010]

truthfully as a pre-dent i assume your a pretty intelligent individual. you should be mature enough to understand the risk not only to yourself, but to the others when you decided to drive that night. i think it shows a weakness in character. nevertheless, i think every person deserves a second chance. depending on the dean of admissions you may receive a slap on the wrist. regardless of what happens i hope you learned something. You are planning to be a future leader for many people out there so act like one. life is all about experience. You don't need to be depressed, but you need to take care of the problem at hand. call your schools and let them know this is something has definitely impacted you severely and has really made you rethink about the way you have been conducting yourself. be sincere, and they may forgive.

 

[GoldTigerPirate]

First of all, contrary to the judgments of my colleagues, VirginiaGuy is innocent until proven guilty.

That being said, just being charged with something does not mean he is a criminal or has to disclose any information right now. He mentions that he made a mistake, he didnt admit to actually driving while intoxicated. He needs to hire a good lawyer to either get the charges dropped or to broker a deal where nothing is put on his record in exchange for an alcohol abuse class, community service, or some other creative plan the Juris Doctors get paid big bucks for.

Where is all that compassion and empathy now, young doctors? If the shoe was on the other foot, I highly doubt you would think some of the advice offered was useful.

 

[Palmetto914]

Well, let's assume we are all somewhat intelligent here and be honest: there isn't much one can do to fight a DWI...they probably have his BAC...if not, then he failed the field test in the officer's opinion. What proof will he have to offer in the face of it? "I wasn't intoxicated, seriously." The of course there is often the patrol car dash cam...

 

[alanan84]

First of all, contrary to the judgments of my colleagues, VirginiaGuy is innocent until proven guilty.

That being said, just being charged with something does not mean he is a criminal or has to disclose any information right now. He mentions that he made a mistake, he didnt admit to actually driving while intoxicated. He needs to hire a good lawyer to either get the charges dropped or to broker a deal where nothing is put on his record in exchange for an alcohol abuse class, community service, or some other creative plan the Juris Doctors get paid big bucks for.

Where is all that compassion and empathy now, young doctors? If the shoe was on the other foot, I highly doubt you would think some of the advice offered was useful.

First of all, he's not fighting the DWI, he practically admitted to it. Second of all, you're an idiot. Why exactly should I have compassion and empathy for people that drive while intoxicated? I don't do it and I expect others not to as well.

To the OP, I think the best thing for you to do is let the schools know as soon as possible.

 

[GoldTigerPirate]

Alanan, you are excused. Watch your mouth insulting people you do not know. Calling someone an idiot who you know nothing about is ignorant.

If he did not make any statements, did not blow the breathalyzer, or do any tests; he has options. Were you there? For all you know, the officer was having a bad day and decided to run him in.

I didn't ask you to be compassionate or empathetic if he is guilty. I simply asked to let the justice system work. One day when you are accused of malpractice, I am sure you are going to want the benefit of the doubt. Who are you to judge anyone? So, back off.

 

[alanan84]

Alanan, you are excused. Watch your mouth insulting people you do not know. Calling someone an idiot who you know nothing about is ignorant.

If he did not make any statements, did not blow the breathalyzer, or do any tests; he has options. Were you there? For all you know, the officer was having a bad day and decided to run him in.

I didn't ask you to be compassionate or empathetic if he is guilty. I simply asked to let the justice system work. One day when you are accused of malpractice, I am sure you are going to want the benefit of the doubt. Who are you to judge anyone? So, back off.

You're right, I probably shouldn't have called you an idiot. My bad.

I think at the end of the day we're all assuming that this is going to stick and from a "getting into DS" perspective the longer he/she goes without saying anything, the worse it looks.

From a moral standpoint, I have no compassion for those that drink and drive. It's a touchy subject.

 

[4thMolar]

Like other posters have said, I would tell the truth and state that you were charged with a DWI, otherwise you run the risk of putting yourself in an even deeper hole if adcoms find out you did not mention this to them. I know you are not convicted yet, but trying to hide it right now wouldn't be the best way to approach this situation.

 

[GoldTigerPirate]

I just finished my last secondary application, at the end it asked: "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"

Seeing as how DWI is a misdemeanor just like a speeding ticket, why should he be compelled to bring it up? Would you gush out and tell your interviewer that you got a speeding ticket on the way to your interview out of fear?

I understand comparing DWI and speeding is a stretch, however, they are comparable in the eyes of the law.

 

[alanan84]

I just finished my last secondary application, at the end it asked: "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"

Seeing as how DWI is a misdemeanor just like a speeding ticket, why should he be compelled to bring it up? Would you gush out and tell your interviewer that you got a speeding ticket on the way to your interview out of fear?

I understand comparing DWI and speeding is a stretch, however, they are comparable in the eyes of the law.

Nevermind

 

[GoldTigerPirate]

.

 

[uncbestyet]

Not sure about the schools you applied to, but some secondary apps ask about it. Some secondaries ask you to list and comment on "pending charges" or "convictions" if they relate to alcohol or drugs.

I am pretty sure background checks also show pending charges.

 

[xiphoidprocess]

just be honest. you don't want to have them find out from another source. I doubt they will discriminate you based on your past.

 

[Extirpator]

I'm too lazy to read all these posts, so sorry if I'm repeating anything...

I did however read the post dirrectly above mine... Saying that not admitting to a misdemeanor under the category of a felony is a stretch? No it's not... because it's not a felony, hence the different names😉

Onto the important stuff... If you just got the ticket/arrested for it, you seriously won't have anything on your record for at least another 3 months. You already sent out your apps and at the time, when you filled out that you were never guily of a misdemeanor or whatever, you did not falsify info. Thus, if you get accepted they cannot legally revoke your acceptance if they somehow did find out about it. If they try to, take them to court and you will win. They don't have a case. On the other hand, if they were to find out prior to acceptance, they can do pretty much whatever they choose with the info. I have heard of d-schools checking criminal history and kicking people out at orrientation... although that was for lying on the actual application, which you did not.

If you plead not guilty to the dwi you can drag it out longer and pretty much ensure it's not on your record for a while. However, a better choice would be to try and exaplain to the judge that you are going to professional school, you realize you were stupid and you're hoping that this one instance won't ruin the rest of your life. If you're sincere about it and the judge isn't in a bad mood, you should be able to work out some type of probation deal where you can have the record sealed/expunged upon successfully completing the probation requirements... this would probably involve random breathalyzers for the next 6-12months (guessing). If you can convince the judge to allow you to go this route, it will not be on ANY records until after your probationary period (by the end of which you will certainly be settled in d-school). Afterward, upon successful completion (assuming you could get such a deal) the record may either be sealed to the public or expunged. Either way, it wouldn't be on any record the dental school could get. Furthermore, most apps will have a little sidenote when you fill out that section saying that you don't have to confess to any sealed/expunged offenses. So assuming that you could get such a probation, you wouldn't be doing anything wrong AT ALL (in my opinion).

I'm no lawyer and certainly not familiar with any state laws you may have to deal with, so I cannot guarantee the validity of anything I stated. I would definately suggest that you get a lawyer, whether a state appointed or an actual one.

Also, not sure if you have any prior criminal history (sealed or not)... if you do, that could make getting any probation deal SIGNIFICANTLY more difficult.


Hope this helps you out man.

 

[brandonbraud]

--You might not even get a DUI. I hope you hired a lawyer. Public defender = conviction. You've already filled out your app and answered the misdemeanor question. (witj a no?) They will do a background check on you (once you get in, right before semester starts) If you have to fill out another form or questionairre you will not get away with lying. But wait till you have to answer the question. Period. You're still not convicted yet, once you get the DUI, if you do, wait till you have to tell them, which is when they ask. Never before or un-necessarily, you want to get in , right?

If I nail the interview, how much of an impact will it have on my profile?

--You'll have the opportunity to tell them after you've already gotten in. I promise.

When do most schools do background checks?
--2-3 weeks before school started.

If I get accepted and it is still pending, is it possible for the school to revoke the acceptance if I never mentioned it?
--only if you ever lied about it. Don't ask don't tell. But when you get the forms ready to do the background check on you, (you actually pay for it) that will be when you say what happened.

I screwed it all up and in a real mess right now and getting pretty depressed about it....

any thoughts?

---just chill man. Can't change it now. And invest in a breathalizer. (~$50 at brookstone, or is it sharper image...?) And don't drive with too many brews in your belly. And get a lawyer. And don't lie to any dental school about anything.

 

[brandonbraud]

Just remembered I know somebody who got one while in school. Not sure if he told them or he was already in the system or having the school have access to his criminal background check if they are notified immediately. Not positive how it went down. But I do know the school made him take alcohol classes.

 

[longhornpride]

I'm too lazy to read all these posts, so sorry if I'm repeating anything...

I did however read the post dirrectly above mine... Saying that not admitting to a misdemeanor under the category of a felony is a stretch? No it's not... because it's not a felony, hence the different names😉

Onto the important stuff... If you just got the ticket/arrested for it, you seriously won't have anything on your record for at least another 3 months. You already sent out your apps and at the time, when you filled out that you were never guily of a misdemeanor or whatever, you did not falsify info. Thus, if you get accepted they cannot legally revoke your acceptance if they somehow did find out about it. If they try to, take them to court and you will win. They don't have a case. On the other hand, if they were to find out prior to acceptance, they can do pretty much whatever they choose with the info. I have heard of d-schools checking criminal history and kicking people out at orrientation... although that was for lying on the actual application, which you did not.

If you plead not guilty to the dwi you can drag it out longer and pretty much ensure it's not on your record for a while. However, a better choice would be to try and exaplain to the judge that you are going to professional school, you realize you were stupid and you're hoping that this one instance won't ruin the rest of your life. If you're sincere about it and the judge isn't in a bad mood, you should be able to work out some type of probation deal where you can have the record sealed/expunged upon successfully completing the probation requirements... this would probably involve random breathalyzers for the next 6-12months (guessing). If you can convince the judge to allow you to go this route, it will not be on ANY records until after your probationary period (by the end of which you will certainly be settled in d-school). Afterward, upon successful completion (assuming you could get such a deal) the record may either be sealed to the public or expunged. Either way, it wouldn't be on any record the dental school could get. Furthermore, most apps will have a little sidenote when you fill out that section saying that you don't have to confess to any sealed/expunged offenses. So assuming that you could get such a probation, you wouldn't be doing anything wrong AT ALL (in my opinion).

I'm no lawyer and certainly not familiar with any state laws you may have to deal with, so I cannot guarantee the validity of anything I stated. I would definately suggest that you get a lawyer, whether a state appointed or an actual one.

Also, not sure if you have any prior criminal history (sealed or not)... if you do, that could make getting any probation deal SIGNIFICANTLY more difficult.


Hope this helps you out man.

THIS!

don't rush and call the schools telling them you got a DWI. Go talk to a good lawyer and see what your options are.

If this is your first time getting in trouble with the law, you might be able to convice a judge to just give you a slap on the wrist and require you to attend a few AA meetings.

Drinking and driving is dangerous and wrong, but it does not mean you are a bad person. You made a mistake at a young age and you aren't the first one. Let this be a lesson to you

 

[Palmetto914]

Actually, yes, with as much negative attention drinking and driving gets in our society, getting behind the wheel when you've had too much to drink does make you a bad person. There is absolutely no excuse. At some point during the time the drinks were consumed, the thought of DnD crossed their mind, and they chose to keep drinking. You have the luxury of calling it a "mistake" now, but I don't think we'd be saying "mistake" if someone was killed. I am very disappointed with everyone saying "wait until you legally have to say something. It's only a misdemeanor." So is drug possession, prostitution, theft...if you're a dentist and you get a DUI, you can legally get your license revoked! Why don't we all steal some drugs and stand on some corners for some extra cash? If we get caught, we'll just keep quiet so we can still get into a professional school... I'm sorry to be insensitive to the OP, but I don't think you deserve the chance to get in this year when there are plenty of us applying that didn't choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you're up-front with the schools, and they take you anyway, so be it. You were at least honest. But what these others are saying about keeping a lid on it is immoral, in my opinion.

 

[sugarsting]

I'm too lazy to read all these posts, so sorry if I'm repeating anything...

I did however read the post dirrectly above mine... Saying that not admitting to a misdemeanor under the category of a felony is a stretch? No it's not... because it's not a felony, hence the different names😉

Onto the important stuff... If you just got the ticket/arrested for it, you seriously won't have anything on your record for at least another 3 months. You already sent out your apps and at the time, when you filled out that you were never guily of a misdemeanor or whatever, you did not falsify info. Thus, if you get accepted they cannot legally revoke your acceptance if they somehow did find out about it. If they try to, take them to court and you will win. They don't have a case. On the other hand, if they were to find out prior to acceptance, they can do pretty much whatever they choose with the info. I have heard of d-schools checking criminal history and kicking people out at orrientation... although that was for lying on the actual application, which you did not.

If you plead not guilty to the dwi you can drag it out longer and pretty much ensure it's not on your record for a while. However, a better choice would be to try and exaplain to the judge that you are going to professional school, you realize you were stupid and you're hoping that this one instance won't ruin the rest of your life. If you're sincere about it and the judge isn't in a bad mood, you should be able to work out some type of probation deal where you can have the record sealed/expunged upon successfully completing the probation requirements... this would probably involve random breathalyzers for the next 6-12months (guessing). If you can convince the judge to allow you to go this route, it will not be on ANY records until after your probationary period (by the end of which you will certainly be settled in d-school). Afterward, upon successful completion (assuming you could get such a deal) the record may either be sealed to the public or expunged. Either way, it wouldn't be on any record the dental school could get. Furthermore, most apps will have a little sidenote when you fill out that section saying that you don't have to confess to any sealed/expunged offenses. So assuming that you could get such a probation, you wouldn't be doing anything wrong AT ALL (in my opinion).

I'm no lawyer and certainly not familiar with any state laws you may have to deal with, so I cannot guarantee the validity of anything I stated. I would definately suggest that you get a lawyer, whether a state appointed or an actual one.

Also, not sure if you have any prior criminal history (sealed or not)... if you do, that could make getting any probation deal SIGNIFICANTLY more difficult.


Hope this helps you out man.

Yes they can because it is your responsibility to update your application if this information changes. I believe we all signed a statement to that effect.

 

[yuppers]

Yes they can because it is your responsibility to update your application if this information changes. I believe we all signed a statement to that effect.

bingo... that why the OP should inform the schools and keep them updated on the process.

 

[Murl]

Talk to an attorney, you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. You never know you may be able to keep it off your record.

 

[nole44]

Actually, yes, with as much negative attention drinking and driving gets in our society, getting behind the wheel when you've had too much to drink does make you a bad person. There is absolutely no excuse. At some point during the time the drinks were consumed, the thought of DnD crossed their mind, and they chose to keep drinking. You have the luxury of calling it a "mistake" now, but I don't think we'd be saying "mistake" if someone was killed. I am very disappointed with everyone saying "wait until you legally have to say something. It's only a misdemeanor." So is drug possession, prostitution, theft...if you're a dentist and you get a DUI, you can legally get your license revoked! Why don't we all steal some drugs and stand on some corners for some extra cash? If we get caught, we'll just keep quiet so we can still get into a professional school... I'm sorry to be insensitive to the OP, but I don't think you deserve the chance to get in this year when there are plenty of us applying that didn't choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you're up-front with the schools, and they take you anyway, so be it. You were at least honest. But what these others are saying about keeping a lid on it is immoral, in my opinion.

completely uncalled for....you do not know the situation and he has not been convicted (what happened to innocent until proven guilty)...for all you know he was .01 over the legal limit in his state and the cop was a DICK!!!! Don't judge the man, give him his day in court. we are all human and we all make mistakes at some point in our lives....who knows maybe one day you will too!!!!! THATS LIFE MY FRIENDS, live and learn!​

 

[Palmetto914]

Even the legal limit is still impared driving. There is no situation that excuses it (well...unless someone held a gun to your head and told you to get behind the wheel after dowing a bottle of tequila). The cop might have been a dick, but I'd bet he's seen his share of DWI fatalities as well. And you know what, I bet you'd appreciate a dickhead cop that got the drunk driver off the road... The only reason people are saying "aww, shucks, it was just a mistake" is because no one was killed. The fact is that your response time is impaired long before you ever "feel" drunk. I'm not attacking the OP; he's at least asking for advice. However, I'm definitely shocked at the number of people saying he should hide it..."Live and learn"? Tell that to the people that are killed by this "mistake."

 

[nole44]

here's the thing.....ever text and drive? ever been in a car when the driver may have had a few too many, but yet you aren't the one driving? ever drive when you are exhausted? why are these all not lack of morals but yet everyone has done it? just bc texting and driving isn't against the law yet, it still considered an accident if someone gets killed. yet enact a law that says its illegal and BOOM every person who does it will be crucified by their peers.....come on ppl i am in no way saying drinking and driving is acceptable but step back b/c one day it maybe you!

 

[Palmetto914]

come on ppl i am in no way saying drinking and driving is acceptable but step back b/c one day it maybe you!

I agree that all of those things you listed are also not cool (especially the texting and driving), but saying it might be me one day doesn't dismiss anything. And frankly, just because you might drink and drive someday, doesn't mean I will...

I will say to the OP that I am sorry for calling you a bad person...you weren't the one saying you were going to hide it. From your post, it sounded as if this wasn't someone holding a gun to your head, and you, in fact, had had too much to drink. I am just bothered by people that dismiss a DWI as a "mistake." This "mistake" has cost some people that were very close their lives (both by their own doing and by someone else's).

I mean, we can all sit back and say "so what?," but that apathetic approach is exactly the problem! If there are no ramifications to drunk driving when it comes to admittance to professional school, at least when it comes to a peer-to-peer conversation, what's the point? Remember, not only did someone in this situation choose to continue drinking in the face of the law and the negative stigma of society, but they made yet another decision to keep drinking AFTER they've already been granted interviews in a very competitive application process. They're the ones (not just the OP) that put their future on the line, both as a member of society, as well as a future dentist. When caught, that person can either claim responsibility and be honest, or they can be a liar.

 

[Extirpator]

Yes they can because it is your responsibility to update your application if this information changes. I believe we all signed a statement to that effect.

Obviously it would depend on what the specific application signed. Personally I don't recall filling any out that said any to that effect (although I could just be forgetful). Regardless, he still wouldn't have to update until convicted. Which he is not. (unless they ask about pending charges)

Also, some apps specifically stated DO NOT list any sealed offenses. Not, "you legally don't have to if you don't want to". They are legally not allowed to asked for sealed stuff (as far as I know).

I really don't think there is an easy answer to the OP's questions, I was just trying to outline a possible route... like someone said, if you get a DUI as a dentist you could lose your license to practice... do you really think that they will be understanding when your not even at that level yet?

Obviously drinking and driving is a horrible thing... but I do believe in second chances and I wouldn't want to see one stupid error ruin the plans for the rest of his/her life. No one was hurt (thankfully), and it would seem that he learned his lesson. So like I said, I'm just outlining an option.

 

[Extirpator]

Actually, yes, with as much negative attention drinking and driving gets in our society, getting behind the wheel when you've had too much to drink does make you a bad person. There is absolutely no excuse. At some point during the time the drinks were consumed, the thought of DnD crossed their mind, and they chose to keep drinking. You have the luxury of calling it a "mistake" now, but I don't think we'd be saying "mistake" if someone was killed. I am very disappointed with everyone saying "wait until you legally have to say something. It's only a misdemeanor." So is drug possession, prostitution, theft...if you're a dentist and you get a DUI, you can legally get your license revoked! Why don't we all steal some drugs and stand on some corners for some extra cash? If we get caught, we'll just keep quiet so we can still get into a professional school... I'm sorry to be insensitive to the OP, but I don't think you deserve the chance to get in this year when there are plenty of us applying that didn't choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you're up-front with the schools, and they take you anyway, so be it. You were at least honest. But what these others are saying about keeping a lid on it is immoral, in my opinion.

Like I said... If by chance he were able to get it off of his record, he doesn't have to tell anyone. Furthermore, although he didn't specifically say, if the app he mentioned asked for a felony (many do). They don't care about a misdemeanor. Trust me, if they cared about misdemeanors they would have asked in the app (not saying they didn't, but the OP didn't specifically say). Dental schools and the lawyers who write their applications know full well the difference between the two. There is absolutely no reason to put down a misdemeanor when it asks for a felony.

As far as it being "immoral"... HE IS NOT CONVICTED. and I'm seriously doubting that it asks about any pending charges... if it does however, that would be another story. What if he didn't get caugt, should he also confess to his offense? or is it only immoral if you get caught doing something wrong and then don't tell? Did you ever drink when you were under 21? why don't you go confess that to your interviewer? ever park in a handicap spot? I'm not sure where you draw the line for your so called "morality." This is a professional interview, not a confessional. If they ask on the interview, obviously I wouldn't suggest lying to them, but if they don't and he has already been offered some probation at his hearing or whatever... why even bring it up?

I understand where you are coming from, but I disagree with much of your reasoning.

 

[Palmetto914]

It's immoral to advise someone to be deceitful, given this situation.

I see your point about getting caught or not getting caught, but the OP did, in fact, get caught. And honestly, if the OP didn't get caught, they wouldn't have started this thread.

Be realistic...If the interviewers cared about those that drank when they were under 21, I dare say they probably would lose 90% of their applicants. I would like to think the number of drunk driving applicants is much, much less. Not to mention underaged drinking doesn't even come close to drunk driving.

I, too, get where you're coming from, but I think, as the OP's peers, we should demand a higher ethical/moral standard of ourselves. Dismissing a DWI as "just a misdemeanor" isn't helping anyone.

 

[DDMess]

I WOULD NOT inform them or tell them ANYTHING until it is sorted out. If it is sorted out two years from now when you're a dental student then that is fine. Why should you tell the adcoms **** about your personal life, they do hold the cards to your future but they aren't freaking God? You haven't been convicted, adcoms don't need to know...period. Do not jeopardize yourself.

 

[DDMess]

Well, let's assume we are all somewhat intelligent here and be honest: there isn't much one can do to fight a DWI...they probably have his BAC...if not, then he failed the field test in the officer's opinion. What proof will he have to offer in the face of it? "I wasn't intoxicated, seriously." The of course there is often the patrol car dash cam...

while this is true some dwi cases take at least a year or longer to get resolved and by that time he'll be a student...

 

[DDMess]

Even the legal limit is still impared driving. There is no situation that excuses it (well...unless someone held a gun to your head and told you to get behind the wheel after dowing a bottle of tequila). The cop might have been a dick, but I'd bet he's seen his share of DWI fatalities as well. And you know what, I bet you'd appreciate a dickhead cop that got the drunk driver off the road... The only reason people are saying "aww, shucks, it was just a mistake" is because no one was killed. The fact is that your response time is impaired long before you ever "feel" drunk. I'm not attacking the OP; he's at least asking for advice. However, I'm definitely shocked at the number of people saying he should hide it..."Live and learn"? Tell that to the people that are killed by this "mistake."

Have you NEVER EVER driven after drinking ANY alcohol? Unless you don't drink I don't buy why you're being such a self-righteous prick. Everyone has drank and drove before, some get caught and learn others learn from mistakes of friends and family members but most young people do it.

 

[sfrice80]

It's immoral to advise someone to be deceitful, given this situation.

I see your point about getting caught or not getting caught, but the OP did, in fact, get caught. And honestly, if the OP didn't get caught, they wouldn't have started this thread.

Be realistic...If the interviewers cared about those that drank when they were under 21, I dare say they probably would lose 90% of their applicants. I would like to think the number of drunk driving applicants is much, much less. Not to mention underaged drinking doesn't even come close to drunk driving.

I, too, get where you're coming from, but I think, as the OP's peers, we should demand a higher ethical/moral standard of ourselves. Dismissing a DWI as "just a misdemeanor" isn't helping anyone.

It sounds like you need to get off your soapbox and take a catalogue of everything you have done in your life that is "immoral." I think your comments are not constructive either, its okay to be critical of a poster but you are taking it to a new level and I dont think that your constant criticisms is helping his situation, calling someone a bad person is not constructive and I'm pretty sure that the OP knows very well what he did was wrong and yes a mistake!

Do you think your constant criticisms is going to snap him into shape? Im sure hes a big enough kid to know that he did something wrong without you lecturing him like a 4 year old. It sounds like you are very passionate about this, which is good, but lets try and be constructive. I dont think telling the OP to wait until hes been convicted is immoral at all. Thats called the legal system! Hes been charged with a crime and he needs to be convicted first before he would go telling schools what hes being charged for. You shouldn't have to divulge everything that happens in your life to dental schools, you need to be convicted of a crime first. Plus, its not up to you what his punishment should be.

 

[pokes]

I WOULD NOT inform them or tell them ANYTHING until it is sorted out. If it is sorted out two years from now when you're a dental student then that is fine. Why should you tell the adcoms **** about your personal life, they do hold the cards to your future but they aren't freaking God? You haven't been convicted, adcoms don't need to know...period. Do not jeopardize yourself.

I would be willing to bet that it will show up in public records LONG before everything is all "sorted out"...

Frankly, I would rather a dental school hear from the horse's mouth before they find it themselves. You probably have a lawyer so I would ask him.

 

[DDMess]

I would be willing to bet that it will show up in public records LONG before everything is all "sorted out"...

Frankly, I would rather a dental school hear from the horse's mouth before they find it themselves. You probably have a lawyer so I would ask him.

Ok so explain to me how you tell an adcom before you were even convicted? I was pulled over for a DWI? Most adcoms would be like okk....so what? They would probably laugh in your face because you told them and ruined your future. Dude, what if you tell all the schools and end up not even being convicited? Then what? Then they think you're still a drunk driver....don't tell them.

 

[pokes]

They would probably laugh in your face

Haha, what could be funnier than drunk driving?

It's a tough spot. While I think you don't want them finding out on their own, it would be weird to bring it up.

I'd probably ask my lawyer. You might be screwed either way, but I guess that's what happens.

 

[DDMess]

Yeah, main thing is you were smart to ask other ppl about your situation. Do not go rushing into any situation. Perhaps someone on these boards were in a similar situation? Ask around, maybe even the dental student board. Good luck.

 

[Palmetto914]

Have you NEVER EVER driven after drinking ANY alcohol? Unless you don't drink I don't buy why you're being such a self-righteous prick. Everyone has drank and drove before, some get caught and learn others learn from mistakes of friends and family members but most young people do it.

No, I do not, and have not ever gotten behind the wheel when drunk. As I said before, I've lost a lot of people to drunk driving, starting at an early age. I know my limitations, and I even check my BAC if I have been drinking before I get behind the wheel.

I'm sorry if that makes me a prick, but insinuating drunk driving is excusable just doesn't sit well with me. At all.

 

[Palmetto914]

I apologized for calling the OP a bad person already.

It's not my job to whip the OP back into shape, or assume he even needs it. It is my job to argue my point, though.

 

[sfrice80]

I think your point was made on your first post, after that you just get ridiculously redundant and then you start calling everyone who disagrees with you "immoral." I agree with you on the problem with drunk driving but I disagree with your strategy and calling everyone who disagrees with you, immoral. I hardly consider myself an immoral person.

 

[jrlo2009]

Jason Reece is one of the leading criminal defense attorney's in the North Carolina area. He deals with charlotte dwi and many more cases. Visit his website for additional information.

 

[SuperTank]

Alanan, you are excused. Watch your mouth insulting people you do not know. Calling someone an idiot who you know nothing about is ignorant.

LOL! That made me laugh because the title of his post was "idiots call strangers idiots." Hypocrite. Lol.