Criminal History Addendum

[seankenn]

I wrote an addendum to address my criminal history.  I stated that I believe I was not guilty, but did not have enough money to hire an attorney to clear my name.  So I took the safest plea and went with it.  The charges were dismissed after due time. 

Do you think I covered all my bases?  I revealed the crimes, but never truly admitted any wrongdoing.

[seankenn]

I can see that, but people plea to cover their ass all the time.  In hindsight, I would have persued a No Contest plea.  Maybe I should suggest this.  In my opinion though, no one who pleas guilty to a charge is not necessarily lying if they are not guilty.  They are just avoiding a worse outcome.  I wonder how admissions would perceive this.

[seankenn]

I received a deferred sentence.  Which is I behave for a the length of the sentence and the judge then dismisses the case.  On my record it will say dismissed, but many schools want to know these cases, too.

[seankenn]

I talked to a lawyer who said if they ask for convictions, then I do not need to disclose.  But in the case of schools asking about arrests I need to disclose.  Getting this problem expunged can occur maybe 2 years after the deferred sentence expired.  So I can't get it expunged before applications are due.

[seankenn]

Sounds good...but I am at work for the next eight hours.  I will get it to you this weekend.  Send me yours.  I would like to get a look at what yours looks like.  Thanks.

[jas9999]

i'd say stick with the facts. if you pled guilty and received a deferred sentence, just say so. if you get into 'well, i wasn't really guilty but couldn't afford to fight it...' then i think you'll only hurt your application. as long as this wasn't a violent crime, just stick to the facts.

if you sound like you're trying to weasel your way out of personal responsibility for your actions, i'd imagine the ad comms would not look favorably on your situation.

[Coregram]

It's more important to explain what you've learned from it, how you've changed and grown, etc. now than to justify how it turned out then.