Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Law school application disclosure

I was convicted of misdmeanor shoplifting about 7 years ago and had the record expunged a while back. I'm applying to law school and I'm unsure whether I have to disclose this record on the application for admission. I know when I try for the bar that they will find this record anyway, but I don't want to list it on the application if it is not required because I don't want a strike against me. Also, when I had the record expunged I was told I could answer ''no'' in response to the question of whether or not I had a record, but I'm not sure if that applies to school applications. What should I do?


Asked on 4/30/05, 5:38 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

Re: Law school application disclosure

When in doubt, err on the side of disclosure. You are applying to an organization whose foundation is truth, honesty and integrity, and you will be an officer of the court. Many lawyers have a past, youthful digressions or bad judgment. But they have overcome. My advice to you would be to disclose all of your indiscretions. You will not be held back or penalized for being upfront and honest. Good Luck.

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Answered on 5/02/05, 10:57 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Law school application disclosure

You are required to disclose it on all applications to government licensing agencies. If you don't disclose it on this application, it will result in disqualification from admission. The conviction may prevent you from admission anyway. You need to find that out now, not after wasting three or four years in school.

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Answered on 5/02/05, 1:47 pm


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