Mention traffic misdemeanor on secondaries if Certiphi is clear?

[Avocat]

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I received a moving violation ticket a few years ago, which is a misdemeanor in my state. I had it dismissed by taking a defensive driving course, and because I was told by AMCAS that I did not need to disclose dismissed cases, I indicated "no" when asked about misdemeanor convictions on AMCAS. I also ordered a Certiphi check on myself and it came up clear, though I am still able to find the ticket online in my city's municipal court records.

On secondaries that ask about misdemeanor convictions, do I need to mention the ticket or not? I know my Certiphi check is clear, but I still don't feel completely at ease about not fully disclosing everything -- at the same time, I don't want my application to be flagged because I indicated a conviction. Some of the schools that I am applying to may not be using Certiphi for background checks, so it's possible that my dismissed case may still come up elsewhere.

Thanks! I apologize if this all sounds terribly paranoid.

 

[gyngyn]

When in doubt, disclose.

 

[ndafife]

Its a traffic ticket. Just disclose it. Its a lot easier to explain speeding/improper U-turn/etc... than to go explain why you are hiding information in your application

 

[ChrisMack390]

The chance of this impacting your application is 0. Just disclose it.

 

[nRomaleos]

I received a moving violation ticket a few years ago, which is a misdemeanor in my state. I had it dismissed by taking a defensive driving course, and because I was told by AMCAS that I did not need to disclose dismissed cases, I indicated "no" when asked about misdemeanor convictions on AMCAS. I also ordered a Certiphi check on myself and it came up clear, though I am still able to find the ticket online in my city's municipal court records.

On secondaries that ask about misdemeanor convictions, do I need to mention the ticket or not? I know my Certiphi check is clear, but I still don't feel completely at ease about not fully disclosing everything -- at the same time, I don't want my application to be flagged because I indicated a conviction. Some of the schools that I am applying to may not be using Certiphi for background checks, so it's possible that my dismissed case may still come up elsewhere.

Thanks! I apologize if this all sounds terribly paranoid.

1. If the secondary says "ever arrested" or "ever charged" then disclose.
2. If it asks about convictions, a dismissed charge is not a "conviction."

If you answer "yes" to #2, you are effectively answering it inaccurately.

 

[Avocat]

Thanks everyone. I'll disclose it, unless asked about a "conviction."

 

[HybridEarth]

If you don't mind me asking, how did you run the certiphi on yourself? I can't find the option anywhere

 

[Avocat]

If you don't mind me asking, how did you run the certiphi on yourself? I can't find the option anywhere

After submitting your AMCAS, did you get an email with the subject "AMCAS Background Check Information"? It has the information about ordering a Certiphi report. Here is the signup link.

 

[whitemagic]

off topic @Avocat, but would you mind telling me how much it was? It said that it would charge "up to a maximum of $150" and decided that was too much and I'd just take my chances lol, but I don't know if "up to $150" means $20 or $150.

 

[Avocat]

off topic @Avocat, but would you mind telling me how much it was? It said that it would charge "up to a maximum of $150" and decided that was too much and I'd just take my chances lol, but I don't know if "up to $150" means $20 or $150.

Mine was $37. I think that's the lowest price it can be.

 

[Amelie.]

Mine cost $112, but I have had multiple names so I think that's why it was so much

 

[Amelie.]

I have had two speeding tickets in a state where I keep hearing it is a misdemeanor and they are not on my background check. I already submitted my primary app with AMCAS so if secondaries ask I'll tell them. I really don't think minor tickets (<20 mph over) matter.