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Information disclosed on college applications.

Sent to Legal Experts November 06, 2007 11:53 a.m.

This question is for the Paralegal - Michelle that helped us before. The same son who was in trouble before is now trying to complete his college entrance applications and came across the questions about school discipline and criminal background. The application states that they are not responsible if records that we believed were expunged are revealed to the univ. They also ask if he has ever been charged or convicted of a felony (his charges were misdemeanors). Then it asks in the past 10 years and including pending charges, has he ever been the subject of any criminal proceeding other than a minor traffic violation. My question is does an arraignment hearing before a judge in juvenile court qualify as a criminal proceeding? Should we answer yes and attempt to explain all of the details of his charges? We do not wish to be deceitful, but at the same time don't want to unnecessarily hurt his opportunity for college acceptance. Thank you.

Optional Information:
Clearwater, Florida

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
November 06, 2007 7:33 p.m. (7 hours and 39 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

Dear Doncats 44

If the proceedings was in juvenile court, they do not need to be disclosed. Juvenile records are sealed - unless he was tried and convicted as an ADULT.

For the question of a Felony, of course, the answer is NO. Period - nothing further needs to be said.

Thank you for requesting me to assist in this matter and for your patience in me getting back to you.

Best of success to all,

If my answer has been helpful, please ACCEPT my answer so I get credit for my effort to help you . If I can be of further help, let me know. Appropriate FEEDBACK is appreciated as is a bonus. Thanks ~ Michelle

Michelle -- Paralegal -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3321 Legal Accepts
31 years of experience in criminal, real estate, juvenile and family law

Reply to Michelle
Sent November 06, 2007 7:46 p.m. (13 minutes and 20 seconds later)

Dear Michelle, this is the said son you have been discussing. I previously got in trouble at school for having an object presumed to be a weapon which is a 3rd degree felony. I was not hand-cuffed and I was not taken anywhere, but I did go through a diversion program for this (COMPASS). When I got in trouble this time, they pulled up a record of this past trouble on my face sheet. I was never convicted of this felony and I don't believe it was a formal charge, but it being on that sheet is unnerving. When the application asks if I have ever been charged/convicted of a felony, do I have to say that I was charged with this?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
November 06, 2007 7:52 p.m. (6 minutes and 8 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Apologies. I did not see the word "charged". Yes. Then you would need to disclose it, since it is showing in your history. However, if you were sentenced by a juvenile court, the record should be sealed. It is possible that only the Court and Police have access. Perhaps, you should check with the juvenile court and verify the status and see if it sealed or if you need to disclose it.

Edited by Michelle on November 6 2007 at 8:02pm

Michelle -- Paralegal -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3321 Legal Accepts
31 years of experience in criminal, real estate, juvenile and family law

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