What to do about an underage drinking citation and admission to law school?
Question Details: I just got cited for an underage at my university. I will be able to deduct the sentence to disorderly conduct once I complete classes and pay a fine. However, I am applying to law school in a couple years and I can't afford a criminal offense. I need some expert advice for what I could do at my informal hearing to avoid this citation as much as I can?
In my opinion, and only in my opinion, you are best served by being completely honest with the law school and the board regardless of the outcome. I know of at least two PA lawyers with criminal convictions and prison time that were honest and were deemed to have sufficiently rehabilitated themselves to become lawyers. I also know of several who have lost their licenses due to attempting to hide this type of thing.
First, if you do not have a criminal defense attorey representing you in your matter, I suggest that you retain one sooner rather than later. Possibly the public defender's office or a court appointed attorney is an option if you cannot afford one?
If you have not already plead out, possibly a "diversion" program is an option where if you are successful as to it the charge that you plea out to may be dismissed without a conviction ending up being on your record. One option is to see if the charge against you could be reduced to an infraction and if so, then such would have no detrimental effect on your future.
