Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1

    Default Will a Dismissal Affect My Chances at Law School

    I am a recent college graduate who is looking to get ready for LSAT exams and preparing for law school in general. I have an impressive resume, but I'm afraid my public record may hinder my chances of getting in. In April, I accidentally drove away from a gas station without paying for my fuel. It was my go-to gas station and with the help of the employees I was able to get the county attorney to dismiss my case without prejudice. It shows that I had a theft in the 5th degree dismissed on public records.

    My question is, will having the dismissal on my record affect my law school applications?

    If so, is it possible to have dismissals for simple misdemeanors removed from public record in Iowa?

    Thanks so much for anyone's help on this! : )

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Will a Dismissal Affect My Chances at Law School

    Depending on the state in which you attempt to obtain a license, you may have to disclose the incident and it may affect your review for character and fitness. It's the sort of thing that i would normally expect them to resolve with additional questions, not with a denial of admission. I suggest keeping records of your disposition (a certified copy from the court), just in case it's requested, so you don't end up scrambling for one down the road. Note, some law schools may ask questions that require disclosure of the incident.

    Iowa has very limited expungement laws, and it does not appear that your disposition would qualify.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    CT & IL
    Posts
    5,273

    Default Re: Will a Dismissal Affect My Chances at Law School

    Looks like this future law student has his first assignment.

    But instead of tossing $$$ away the OP should call the bar assoc. and ask

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Criminal Records: Will a Misdemeanor or Infraction Affect Chances of Employment
    By ooohreo in forum Criminal Records
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-15-2012, 01:12 PM
  2. Naturalization: Arrests and How Will They Affect Chances for Citizenship
    By villagechief in forum Permanent Residency and Naturalization
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-31-2011, 07:43 PM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Does Criminal Dismissal Affect a Civil Demand
    By valley girl in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 10-03-2010, 09:36 PM
  4. Minor in Possession: MIP / MIC - What Are the Chances of Getting a Dismissal
    By medtran4 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-19-2010, 11:17 PM
  5. Will Getting Married Affect My Chances of Getting Full Custody?
    By KXG in forum Child Custody, Support and Visitation
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-10-2007, 05:03 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources