Some advice on background check...

[Dwindlin]

So I was offered an acceptance at a school and took it, the acceptance was pending a background check. I thought everything was all good. Today I get a call from the screening company informing me I have a misdemeanor traffic violation on my record from 2005. I had no clue this was on there (I thought it was simply a speeding ticket) so when I filled out all my apps I listed that I had never had a Felony/Misdemeanor. I'm not arguing the incident, like I said I thought it was a simple speeding ticket, I didn't have to go to court or anything...I just mailed in my fine. I've already called the Dean of Admissions of the school and basically explained this to him. I was told it would be reviewed once they got my background check. Anyone ever had a similar thing happen? And what do you think are the chances that I could have my offer rescinded for this?

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[AdmiralChz]

Wow, it caught a random traffic violation? Sheesh that's harsh... but you did everything right here by contacting the school immediately and explaining yourself. I cannot imagine that they'd take away your acceptance, I'm sure your in the clear!

 

[phospho]

I agree with Admiral - that's harsh. Also, knowing WSU, you will be more than fine. I'm just surprised your background check pulled up a speeding ticket. I have atleast 5 speeding tickets in the last few years, and nothing came up. Were you speeding in Ohio?

 

[flip26]

So I was offered an acceptance at a school and took it, the acceptance was pending a background check. I thought everything was all good. Today I get a call from the screening company informing me I have a misdemeanor traffic violation on my record from 2005. I had no clue this was on there (I thought it was simply a speeding ticket) so when I filled out all my apps I listed that I had never had a Felony/Misdemeanor. I'm not arguing the incident, like I said I thought it was a simple speeding ticket, I didn't have to go to court or anything...I just mailed in my fine. I've already called the Dean of Admissions of the school and basically explained this to him. I was told it would be reviewed once they got my background check. Anyone ever had a similar thing happen? And what do you think are the chances that I could have my offer rescinded for this?

I am a little surprised they called you. Is this what typically happens with these background checks? Did the screening company send you a copy of the report that the med school will get?

Did you go back to the court records to read what is shown? Are you sure it was correctly classified as a misdemeanor? You might want to consult a lawyer...

Finally, what was the speeding violation? By how much did you exceed the limit? In most jurisdictions, at some point speeding is not so "simple" and it gets elevated to "careless and wreckless" driving - is this what happened to you?

 

[Siverhideo1985]

I know in certain states if you speed 20mph over the limit it is automatically a misdemeanor... but it's weird that nobody told you at the time.

Keep us posted on how this works out! Though, I doubt they will revoke your acceptance.

 

[phospho]

I know in certain states if you speed 20mph over the limit it is automatically a misdemeanor... but it's weird that nobody told you at the time.

Keep us posted on how this works out! Though, I doubt they will revoke your acceptance.

I'm assuming the OP got his ticket in Ohio.

On one of my tickets, I was going 90 on a 65, but the cop told me that he was going to cut me some slack and pretend I was going 85, because anything over 20 would be wreckless driving.

But then again, the OP says he didn't have to go to court. If it was wreckless driving, he would have automatically had a court date.

That's very odd.

 

[highfive]

Same thing happened to me and they called me as well. They sent me the form a few days later, but they called to confirm the ticket first. I am from New York and my ticket was in Ohio. It looks like OP is from Ohio as well. I was going 12 MPH over the speed limit (67 in 55). I just mailed in my fine and moved on b/c the court was 4 hours from where I lived. I called the deans of all the schools I got into and let them know what the deal was with the ticket and that I didn't understand it was a misdemeanor (b/c it's not in New York). They kinda laughed and me and then told me not to worry about it.

 

[phospho]

Same thing happened to me and they called me as well. They sent me the form a few days later, but they called to confirm the ticket first. I am from New York and my ticket was in Ohio. It looks like OP is from Ohio as well. I was going 12 MPH over the speed limit (67 in 55). I just mailed in my fine and moved on b/c the court was 4 hours from where I lived. I called the deans of all the schools I got into and let them know what the deal was with the ticket and that I didn't understand it was a misdemeanor (b/c it's not in New York). They kinda laughed and me and then told me not to worry about it.

hmm, weird... all my tickets were in ohio and nothing showed up...

is it possible they only show up on the background check if you got the ticket out of state? because the OP is from New Paris, which is right on the OH-IN state line, so he may have gotten it in indiana...

 

[Dwindlin]

The ticket is actually from Virginia and yeah I was 19, stupid and was going 86/65. The actual citation I was issued said nothing about it being a misdemeanor (I still have the original), but I just pulled up the case information from the court website and its listed as "wreckless op. speed" even so I honestly didn't know, especially because the cop told me I can just mail in my fine (which is what I did).

 

[AdmiralChz]

Yeah, that sounds about right. Va is pretty strict on their driving laws, and over 20 is an automatic misdemeanor - reckless driving (which is beyond your normal speeding ticket). They should have told you that when you got a ticket, are you sure you never had a court date? That's pretty unusual.

 

[flip26]

The ticket is actually from Virginia and yeah I was 19, stupid and was going 86/65. The actual citation I was issued said nothing about it being a misdemeanor (I still have the original), but I just pulled up the case information from the court website and its listed as "wreckless op. speed" even so I honestly didn't know, especially because the cop told me I can just mail in my fine (which is what I did).

Virginia has the toughest traffic laws and fines in the country.

Be glad you didn't do this in the last year, because the fine for careless and reckless got jacked up to around $1200 either last year or the year before...it is being challenged in courts as unconstitutional, and some judges have cut the fines, but VA is the wrong place to get a traffic ticket.

 

[Dwindlin]

Yeah, that sounds about right. Va is pretty strict on their driving laws, and over 20 is an automatic misdemeanor - reckless driving (which is beyond your normal speeding ticket). They should have told you that when you got a ticket, are you sure you never had a court date? That's pretty unusual.

When I spoke to the officer issuing the citation he told me there is a court date set, but then he said unless you have objections (which obviously I didn't...I WAS speeding) you can simply mail in the fine with a copy of the citation (which again this is what I did). So I thought nothing of this, I was under the assumption that you have to option of a attending a court date for even minor speeding tickets (I've had friends actually go and argue a speeding ticket for 5 over).

 

[Dwindlin]

Sorry for the double post, but my original question still stands now in the light of some of the new info I provided. Think they'll yank my acceptance? Again, I got the phone call from the screening company as I was leaving school, and called the school soon as I got home and explained to him that they found a misdemeanor traffic violation, and that I was aware of the violation itself but had no clue that it was a misdemeanor.

 

[futIDdoc]

Sorry for the double post, but my original question still stands now in the light of some of the new info I provided. Think they'll yank my acceptance? Again, I got the phone call from the screening company as I was leaving school, and called the school soon as I got home and explained to him that they found a misdemeanor traffic violation, and that I was aware of the violation itself but had no clue that it was a misdemeanor.

if you are straight with them, i don't see why this would be a problem. After all, this is why they do background checks. Now, if you tried to hide a drug, theft, or DUI conviction, that'd be a different story.

 

[AdmiralChz]

This still isn't a huge deal, to me. Yeah, you probably should have known that it was a misdemeanor and beyond a normal traffic offense. But you seem really genuine and sincere about not knowing, and you have conveyed this to the adcom. I wouldn't worry too much 🙂

Agree with futIDdoc - if you had been wanted by the FBI or Interpol, then you might have a problem 😉

 

[Bollywood Junkie]

infraction vs. misdemeanor:
http://public.findlaw.com/traffic-t...t-overview/felony-vs-misdemeanor-tickets.html

 

[pride4jc727]

Yea, I always am a little unsure on these things. Earlier this year, I got two traffic violations in NJ: one a 2 pt careless driving ticket and the other was a very minor 0 pt ticket that should have been for speeding 12 mph over.

Will those two show up on a criminal background check?

 

[Myuu]

Virginia has the toughest traffic laws and fines in the country.

Be glad you didn't do this in the last year, because the fine for careless and reckless got jacked up to around $1200 either last year or the year before...it is being challenged in courts as unconstitutional, and some judges have cut the fines, but VA is the wrong place to get a traffic ticket.

That law was repealed a year ago.👍

Edit: In other news, there is no exception for hands-free headsets in the new cell phone ban.

 

[rockydoc]

to the OP: Did it explicitly say "traffic misdemeanor" and not "criminal misdemeanor" or simply "misdemeanor" on the CBC report?? I ask because Im pretty sure most schools would only care about a "criminal misdemeanor" especially since this wasnt a DUI or anything and you werent arrested.

This is really wierd since I was under the impression that only things that you were arrested for would show up on a CBC. I really hope that adcoms are completely understanding with this crap. Which CBC agency was it with??

maybe LizzyM can give some insight??

 

[edub]

Obviously, this is just conjecture, but I find it unfathomable that this will compromise your acceptance. For starters, the offense is extremely innocuous, e.g., not a DUI, possession charge, assault, fraud, etc. Second, it will be hard to hold you accountable for deceit based on the nature of the charge. It's totally reasonable that you assumed a traffic ticket was not a misdemeanor, and therefore, you answered no to the misdemeanor honestly to the best of your knowledge. Third, you established credibility by contacting the school immediately.

Side note- It would have been unreasonable for the Dean to dismiss matters without reviewing the incident report/background check, so his response was business as usual, and nothing to be alarmed about. I think so long as everything in the report is consistent with what you have disclosed, you have no cause for concern.

 

[Dwindlin]

to the OP: Did it explicitly say "traffic misdemeanor" and not "criminal misdemeanor" or simply "misdemeanor" on the CBC report?? I ask because Im pretty sure most schools would only care about a "criminal misdemeanor" especially since this wasnt a DUI or anything and you werent arrested.

This is really wierd since I was under the impression that only things that you were arrested for would show up on a CBC. I really hope that adcoms are completely understanding with this crap. Which CBC agency was it with??

maybe LizzyM can give some insight??

I looked into this further, and as it turns out the people who responded with "VA is the worst state for traffic violations" were absolutely right. Even though my offense seemed relatively minor, wreckless op (no matter the reason) in VA is a class 1 misdemeanor (the highest). And the citation (the only thing I was shown up until I looked up my case on the internet today) simply states "Speeding 86/65." Even after I sent in my fine I only received a receipt from VA stating my fines were cleared and the case file would be updated as such, but again no mention that the charge (that I pled guilty to by simply mailing in a fine) was anything more than a traffic violation.

 

[rockydoc]

sounds like a closed case to me...you should be absolutely fine...how can anyone expect you to have known about this?? It's not like they say we should run checks on all of our traffic tickets before answering yes or no to the misdemeanor/felony question on AMCAS.

And they should definitely understand that you are not deliberately lying to them. It is much more believable to have forgotten about and/or be oblivious to a traffic misdemeanor from 2005 for which you were not even arrested than if you were to say, "accidentally forget" about something like being arrested for a DUI or drug charge. You'll be fine....but definitely let us know what happens!! and good luck in med school

 

[tiedyeddog]

I got a ticket two years ago for going I think 65 in a 55 when I was really going 79 in a 55 and the cop pulled it down because it was my first ticket.... Had no idea that in Ohio over 20 was a misdemeanor, wtf.

I hate circleville and 52.

 

[phospho]

I got a ticket two years ago for going I think 65 in a 55 when I was really going 79 in a 55 and the cop pulled it down because it was my first ticket.... Had no idea that in Ohio over 20 was a misdemeanor, wtf.

I hate circleville and 52.

lol, circleville gets half its budget from those speeding tickets

though i still go down there every year for their annual Pumpkin Show - i absolutely love it 😀

 

[pianola]

Yeah some people mentioned that a certain amount over the speed limit = reckless driving and that reckless driving is a misdemeanor.

Reckless =/= wreckless because wreckless is not a word.

 

[tiedyeddog]

lol, circleville gets half its budget from those speeding tickets

though i still go down there every year for their annual Pumpkin Show - i absolutely love it 😀

Missed it last year, got to say I have never been impressed with the queens they crown....wowzer.

 

[Dwindlin]

So by mailing in the fine you implicitly plead guilty. It's strange that you could possibly be guilty of anything without being given the opportunity to make a claim of innocence. Seems like a due process violation. Consult a lawyer to see if you can have the charges dropped/expunged.

This is the big reason I didn't realize it was actually a misdemeanor. Honestly, I would think that if it were a more serious charge than a traffic violation they wouldn't let you just mail in the fine.

 

[phospho]

Yeah some people mentioned that a certain amount over the speed limit = reckless driving and that reckless driving is a misdemeanor.

Reckless =/= wreckless because wreckless is not a word.

Yup, in Ohio it's "speeding" if it's 20 MPH or less over the limit. It's reckless driving if it's over. Also, I had NO idea it was spelled reckless, thanks for the heads up!😀

So by mailing in the fine you implicitly plead guilty. It's strange that you could possibly be guilty of anything without being given the opportunity to make a claim of innocence. Seems like a due process violation. Consult a lawyer to see if you can have the charges dropped/expunged.

The way it works is that they give you a court date on the spot... it's on the speeding ticket the cop hands you that day... You can choose to go and fight your ticket on that date, or you can mail in the check if you know you're guilty.

Your due process is never violated, because the ticket explicitly says that you are not guilty unless you decide to go to court and the judge finds you guilty (where you'll also pay court fees), or if you decide to admit your guilt and pay the ticket.

 

[NotAndrew]

Virginia 1, Lawless Hoodlums 0


Justice is served!

 

[Dwindlin]

Virginia 1, Lawless Hoodlums 0


Justice is served!

This made me lol....

And I didn't realize it was reckless either 😕

 

[NotAndrew]

This made me lol....

And I didn't realize it was reckless either 😕

Did you get pulled over by county police or state?

State police don't play, they once followed me for about 2 miles before pulling me over for an expired registration.

 

[Dwindlin]

State patrol I think, its been 4 years ago so I don't really remember.

 

[WaterBird]

So by mailing in the fine you implicitly plead guilty. It's strange that you could possibly be guilty of anything without being given the opportunity to make a claim of innocence. Seems like a due process violation. Consult a lawyer to see if you can have the charges dropped/expunged.

Well, going to the court date would have been the opportunity to make a claim of innocence.

I agree that it is effed up that they didn't let you know it was a misdemeanor at the time, but at this point, I doubt you can get it expunged. I would just hope that the adcoms are reasonable and continue to be honest and sincere with them.

 

[chessknt]

That law was repealed a year ago.👍

Edit: In other news, there is no exception for hands-free headsets in the new cell phone ban.

Lol that is the biggest joke law in the popular media. 0 scientific evidence supports that we are more able to pay attention with a headset as opposed to holding a phone. The limiting factor is mental output, not motor.

 

[Conky]

Lol that is the biggest joke law in the popular media. 0 scientific evidence supports that we are more able to pay attention with a headset as opposed to holding a phone. The limiting factor is mental output, not motor.

Saw a study a few years ago that the delay that is caused is the exact same regardless of hands-free or hands-on phone use. It is the conversation, not the hands.

The worst thing you can do is text while driving. Makes you worse than a drunk.

 

[Myuu]

As an update to that last post, it would appear that el supergrande fine for reckless (20mph+, or >80) only is still on the books. Beltway commuters beware!


Edit: And just for fun, from the article I just linked to:

Let's say you're cruising down Interstate 95 doing 84 mph in a 65 mph zone. If you're in Maryland, you're looking at a $160 fine and two points for exceeding the limit by 10-19 mph. If you get a kindly judge, you might walk off with probation before judgment and no points. There's no need to get a lawyer.

If you're on Virginia's stretch of I-95, according to Battle, you're looking at a ticket for reckless driving speeding - with all the penalties listed above. You must appear in court or have a lawyer represent you. If you're a no-show, the judge is likely to convict you in absentia and issue a warrant. The next time you're pulled over in the commonwealth, you could find yourself in a county pokey.

If you are convicted, Battle says, the judge has no authority to waive the six points Virginia imposes. And Virginia doesn't do PBJs. Prepare for a big insurance premium.

Battle advises that motorists foolish enough to drive more than 90 mph on Virginia roads are routinely thrown in the clink. Judges right across the Potomac in Fairfax County are especially tough on extreme speeders, he warns.

According to Battle, some judges apply a formula that adds two days in jail for every mile over 90 mph, with a bonus 30 days for breaking the 100-mph barrier. That means, he writes, that if you're convicted of driving 94 mph in a 65 mph zone, you would be eligible for eight days behind bars in addition to six points and whatever fine the judge chose to pile on for reckless driving.

In Maryland, at 94 mph, you're looking at a speeding ticket worth a maximum of $290 and five points. Considering that anyone driving above 90 on a public highway has decided other lives are expendable, Virginia's approach seems reasonable to me.

 

[vickpick]

Virginia has the toughest traffic laws and fines in the country.

Be glad you didn't do this in the last year, because the fine for careless and reckless got jacked up to around $1200 either last year or the year before...it is being challenged in courts as unconstitutional, and some judges have cut the fines, but VA is the wrong place to get a traffic ticket.

my dad got a ticket last spring for 86/65 and it was a freaking 600$ ticket...

since my dad is anal abt not getting points.. he also hired a lawyer... that took extra 300$...

And, it could be a misdeamenor because he didnt attend his court date...

at that speed - he has to either hire a lawyer to attend for him, or go there himself.. he did neither so I see why its a misdeamenor

 

[AdmiralChz]

As an update to that last post, it would appear that el supergrande fine for reckless (20mph+, or >80) only is still on the books. Beltway commuters beware!


Edit: And just for fun, from the article I just linked to:

Yes, they took the DUI law increase off the books that was pretty harsh (different punishments were handed out depending on state residency, which was kinda unconstitutional). It's since been reinstated with changes (like automatic jail time).

I-95 isn't actually all that bad with speed traps, now I-64 is a total different story, especially west of Richmond.....👎

 

[Myuu]

Yes, they took the DUI law increase off the books that was pretty harsh (different punishments were handed out depending on state residency, which was kinda unconstitutional). It's since been reinstated with changes (like automatic jail time).

I-95 isn't actually all that bad with speed traps, now I-64 is a total different story, especially west of Richmond.....👎

The I-66 HOV-only left exit to I-495N always has three state troopers waiting just around the bend to nail anyone cruising solo.

 

[Dwindlin]

wow I completely forgot about this!

Thanks everyone for the advice and kind words, everything worked out and I'm still a member of class of 2013.

 

[newdoc2013]

So I was offered an acceptance at a school and took it, the acceptance was pending a background check. I thought everything was all good. Today I get a call from the screening company informing me I have a misdemeanor traffic violation on my record from 2005. I had no clue this was on there (I thought it was simply a speeding ticket) so when I filled out all my apps I listed that I had never had a Felony/Misdemeanor. I'm not arguing the incident, like I said I thought it was a simple speeding ticket, I didn't have to go to court or anything...I just mailed in my fine. I've already called the Dean of Admissions of the school and basically explained this to him. I was told it would be reviewed once they got my background check. Anyone ever had a similar thing happen? And what do you think are the chances that I could have my offer rescinded for this?

Yea this EXACT same thing happened to me. I hate Certephi. Nothing to worry about 👍