Pending Charge/When to apply

[DSK2013]

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[cschoet]

Ugh, why did you allow him to search your trunk without probable cause or a warrant?

Does the application ask for pending charges? If it doesn't, I'd submit now and only update your schools if the charges don't get dropped. If it does ask for pending charges, I would not submit right now. Even if the charges get dropped later, the adcoms may become aware of your drug habits (if you have to state specifics) and they can make judgement based on your character alone.

Tough call, but you reap what you sow.

 

[SmilingTooth]

I think you should submit as soon as possible. Looks like you were arrested but not charged; you must consult with your attorney about it. Being arrested, being under charge, or convicted of the charge are three different things. Once you appear in court and see what the judge has to say, you may then contact the schools. The Background checks do not happen until few months of starting the semester. You must take action very soon. Good luck!

 

[DSK2013]

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[aznboi89x]

I need help deciding when to hit the send button on my AADSAS application. I was arrested in July half an hour before my DAT exam, and scored 97th percentile (22 AA, 22 TS) right after getting out of jail. Would've done better if I wasn't so pissed.

The charge was possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, but my lawyer says I have a chance of getting the case dismissed if he can prove that the arresting officer had coerced me into letting him search my trunk (which is illegal without a search warrant).

I told the officer I had a $300 exam I needed to take, and he said he'll see what he can do if I cooperate. So I did. He then tells me it would take 9 hours to get a search warrant, which is false, since these days approval for warrants are done electronically and take only 20 minutes to get. If I had refused consent to search my trunk, there is no way a judge would have granted a warrant since it is highly unlikely that a cop can smell 1 gram of marijuana from the trunk. Basically I got played.

The problem is, I am still waiting on the court to send the evidence tapes to my lawyer, and without reviewing them, he is not sure what the likely verdict will be. Meanwhile, I am delaying submission of my AADSAS application and am deathly afraid that I am doing myself more harm than good. This matter will most likely be settled in September or maybe even in October.

I have read other posts on the forum saying that chances of getting pre-december, as well as post-december interviews are diminished when submitting applications later in the cycle. I have worked so hard in the past 4 years to maintain a 3.82 GPA, to score high on the DATs, and to acquire stellar recommendation letters, but I feel like this one mistake will end my life goals and dreams.

Bottom line: Do I just go ahead and submit my AADSAS application with a pending charge even though it MIGHT be dismissed? or do I wait until I find out what the verdict is and risk diminishing my chances of admissions by waiting? Does anyone know people who have gotten into dental school with marijuana related misdemeanor charges?

Thank in advance for your comments. I've been feeling really stressed out and depressed, which makes me wanna smoke even more, but I've been clean for about 2 months now, which is a good thing.

you might want to check other people's post regarding pending charges. I came across a thread where someone stated that background checks show charges even though they were dismissed? correct me if i'm wrong and please don't bash me. But I'm sure drugs like weed would not deny you dental school. It's not murder or felony charges so don't stress too much about it. search around SDN regarding this issue.

 

[SmilingTooth]

Don't stress too much, because my friend was arrested for DUI and applied anyways. I know this because I bailed him out, and guess what he is in his second year of med school. The charges were dropped later. I hope you hire a good attorney. It is bad luck indeed, but looking at your stats, it doesn't seem like the habit had incapacitated you academically; which is great. Just stay positive 🙂

 

[DSK2013]

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[cschoet]

The AADSAS application does ask for pending charges, but I've read on this forum that ADCOMs do believe in second chances, especially for petty misdemeanor charges and not more serious infractions such as felonies. I'm trying to keep optimistic, but I can't believe this happened. I do blame myself, however, and take full responsibility, although it also had to do with tremendous bad luck. 4 years worth of hard work versus 1 momentary lapse of judgment? I know that in society these things do affect how one's character is viewed, but I have a hard time accepting that this is at all fair.

I'm sorry you are going through this, but you did get caught with an illegal substance. We all have our views on marijuana laws, and ours are probably similar, but I don't see how this is "unfair". I hope it works out and any admissions committee looking at your file gives you the benefit of the doubt.

 

[dymm]

Quite an eventful day huh?
I would write down what you just told us in the "Background Information: felony/misdemeanor" section. Just be honest and tell them that it is pending and that you will notify the outcomes of this case in time. Then I would e-submit asap.

I have seen some secondaries that give you instructions on how to handle pending charges but I don't remember which schools or the specifics (because it doesn't apply to me).

I don't think adcoms would view your charge in the same light as a DUI or some other violent crime/misdemeanor... but that's just my opinion. As far as the laws/records go... it depends on which state you got caught in also.

Anyways, keep your head up and good luck with everything.

 

[DSK2013]

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[HopefulDMD88]

AZNBOI:
Weed is definitely not that bad of a drug as there are many benefits in comparison to alcohol. Nevertheless, to become an important member of this community as a doctor, it is important to have a good sense of moral obligation regardless of personal opinion. I have learned greatly from my mistakes as I have greatly jeopardized my future.

Also, I have a father who taught at Penn Dental, I've shadowed one of the top oral surgeons on the east coast who is also an associate professor at temple, and I have a grandfather who is a prominent member of the Penn alumni association in Korea that donates millions to the school. Maybe my influence may help me gain admissions, but I'm not willing to involve those who are in support of my efforts, especially if it would tarnish their reputations.

As little as this means to you, I would respect you way more if you stuck to this statement and was rejected from said schools than if you name-dropped and thus gained admissions. Mad respect.

 

[SmilingTooth]

AZNBOI:
Weed is definitely not that bad of a drug as there are many benefits in comparison to alcohol. Nevertheless, to become an important member of this community as a doctor, it is important to have a good sense of moral obligation regardless of personal opinion. I have learned greatly from my mistakes as I have greatly jeopardized my future.

Also, I have a father who taught at Penn Dental, I've shadowed one of the top oral surgeons on the east coast who is also an associate professor at temple, and I have a grandfather who is a prominent member of the Penn alumni association in Korea that donates millions to the school. Maybe my influence may help me gain admissions, but I'm not willing to involve those who are in support of my efforts, especially if it would tarnish their reputations.

The problem of showing good moral character is there in your case; since the incident is very recent. Putting it on your application is a red flag for that reason. If you have influence/reference, use the hell out of it. Get all the help you can, I know I would.

 

[DSK2013]

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[DSK2013]

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[DSK2013]

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[DSK2013]

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[cwoodds]

cschoet:
You're right. I gotta reap what I sow, but what I meant by unfair was my misfortune. I've had a lot of bad luck in my lifetime and at the worst times possible. Details aside, I try to stay good, but lady luck hates me.

This bad luck of mine has been a driving force in my philosophy, work hard and never leave **** to chance. Just as an example, if I were to have a 75% chance of guessing at a multiple choice question. 3 chances out of 4 possibilities, I'll pick all the wrong answers leaving the only one right answer unmarked. Happened just last week.

You are completely right though. I have no one else to blame, (besides lady luck to make me feel better). =)

You had marijuana in your trunk, and based on your first post (being clean for 2 months), you were smoking during that time frame. That's not bad luck, that's just a matter of time. I hope you're able to turn things around and be a successful professional. The sooner you learn that you make your own luck, the better off you will be.

 

[DoeAdeer]

I need help deciding when to hit the send button on my AADSAS application. I was arrested in July half an hour before my DAT exam, and scored 97th percentile (22 AA, 22 TS) right after getting out of jail. Would've done better if I wasn't so pissed.

The charge was possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, but my lawyer says I have a chance of getting the case dismissed if he can prove that the arresting officer had coerced me into letting him search my trunk (which is illegal without a search warrant).

I told the officer I had a $300 exam I needed to take, and he said he'll see what he can do if I cooperate. So I did. He then tells me it would take 9 hours to get a search warrant, which is false, since these days approval for warrants are done electronically and take only 20 minutes to get. If I had refused consent to search my trunk, there is no way a judge would have granted a warrant since it is highly unlikely that a cop can smell 1 gram of marijuana from the trunk. Basically I got played.

The problem is, I am still waiting on the court to send the evidence tapes to my lawyer, and without reviewing them, he is not sure what the likely verdict will be. Meanwhile, I am delaying submission of my AADSAS application and am deathly afraid that I am doing myself more harm than good. This matter will most likely be settled in September or maybe even in October.

I have read other posts on the forum saying that chances of getting pre-december, as well as post-december interviews are diminished when submitting applications later in the cycle. I have worked so hard in the past 4 years to maintain a 3.82 GPA, to score high on the DATs, and to acquire stellar recommendation letters, but I feel like this one mistake will end my life goals and dreams.

Bottom line: Do I just go ahead and submit my AADSAS application with a pending charge even though it MIGHT be dismissed? or do I wait until I find out what the verdict is and risk diminishing my chances of admissions by waiting? Does anyone know people who have gotten into dental school with marijuana related misdemeanor charges?

Thank in advance for your comments. I've been feeling really stressed out and depressed, which makes me wanna smoke even more, but I've been clean for about 2 months now, which is a good thing.

The AADSAS application does ask for pending charges, but I've read on this forum that ADCOMs do believe in second chances, especially for petty misdemeanor charges and not more serious infractions such as felonies. I'm trying to keep optimistic, but I can't believe this happened. I do blame myself, however, and take full responsibility, although it also had to do with tremendous bad luck. 4 years worth of hard work versus 1 momentary lapse of judgment? I know that in society these things do affect how one's character is viewed, but I have a hard time accepting that this is at all fair.

Smiling Tooth:
I was arrested, but not charged. The verdict will be made in about a month or so, went to court a couple days ago, but my lawyer asked for a short postponement due to the fact that evidence tapes were not made available to us yet. Cops in my county make many mistakes, and about 20% of the cases are dismissed due to cops not following protocol and coercing their victims into doing things that are not allowed by law. The biggest thing I have going for me is that the cop said specifically, "it would take 9 hours to get a warrant" (which is completely false), and he used this against me knowing that I had an important exam appointment to make (evidence of coercion?) Either way I'm getting mixed responses on the matter, still not sure what to do.

AZNBOI:
Weed is definitely not that bad of a drug as there are many benefits in comparison to alcohol. Nevertheless, to become an important member of this community as a doctor, it is important to have a good sense of moral obligation regardless of personal opinion. I have learned greatly from my mistakes as I have greatly jeopardized my future.

Also, I have a father who taught at Penn Dental, I've shadowed one of the top oral surgeons on the east coast who is also an associate professor at temple, and I have a grandfather who is a prominent member of the Penn alumni association in Korea that donates millions to the school. Maybe my influence may help me gain admissions, but I'm not willing to involve those who are in support of my efforts, especially if it would tarnish their reputations.

cschoet:
You're right. I gotta reap what I sow, but what I meant by unfair was my misfortune. I've had a lot of bad luck in my lifetime and at the worst times possible. Details aside, I try to stay good, but lady luck hates me.

This bad luck of mine has been a driving force in my philosophy, work hard and never leave **** to chance. Just as an example, if I were to have a 75% chance of guessing at a multiple choice question. 3 chances out of 4 possibilities, I'll pick all the wrong answers leaving the only one right answer unmarked. Happened just last week.

You are completely right though. I have no one else to blame, (besides lady luck to make me feel better). =)

HOPEFULDMD88:
Real recognize real. Thanks for your comment about "mad respect."
I truly do wanna gain admissions on my own accord; I ain't no Paris Hilton.
I feel though that knowledge is power, as most of us know. The boss of the Chinese Triads had over a 100 degrees, so doin well in school makes me feel like a true gangsta. Messing with weed just made me feel like a lowly thug, copping nicks and dime. I don't belong in that class anymore, and I've moved on.

Just a little comment for all those who look down upon my run-in with the law: To know good, you gotta know what bad is. If not, you have no frame of reference. My own little tweak on the theory of relativity.

Exactly what I was worried about. Not enough time to show good moral character. But it would be wrong to judge me based on one infraction, although it happens all the time in society.

If worst comes to worst, I'll extract teeth for the mob. Hoping though that I can take the high road and do it legally.

I enjoyed reading your novel.

 

[dymm]

Hoping though that I can take the high road and do it legally.

Laugh.. did she get banned for saying that?

 

[SmilingTooth]

Laugh.. did she get banned for saying that?

Most likely a troll or spammer. Mad respects for the sdn vigilantes for keeping the site nonsense free. 👍

 

[shootingstar7]

I was also charged with possession several years back. I know that policies vary by stae, but I was able to have the charge dismissed by agreeing to go through the standard rehabilitation procedure. ($150 for 3 hour course once a week for 5 weeks)

The option was available for anyone who didn't have prior offenses, or even some that did. Maybe you can talk to someone about options like that available in your state.

 

[DSK2013]

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