6 Responses to “ Do You Really Need to Disclose Speeding Tickets? ”

1. Wendi See , on November 9th, 2009 at 2:31 pm Said:

   Ann, How specific do you need to be on the moving violations? Obviously, the first answer to my own question is to read the instructions, but I have one app that wants specifics that I cannot provide. Here is the scenario: As you know I am “old” . I have only had two moving violations in my driving career. One at 16 and one two years ago. Obviously, I remember CLEARLY the one (for speeding) two years ago. I remember the charge from age 16 (failure to yield right of way). I DO remember the jurisdiction and the “arresting” officer’s name because we later dated (very interesting story but probably not the one the law school wants . Anyway, I paid a fine but I have no idea how much or even the exact dates. I really only remember because it was my first ticket–therefore traumatic–but it WAS 22 years ago. I doubt anyone even has a record of it anymore. How far must I go to fulfill “specific” instructions? Do I need to draw attention to the obvious–that it’s so long ago that I don’t remember and can’t get the info or can I just list it with the approximate dates and they’ll GET the gist on their own?

2. Ann Levine, Esq. , on November 9th, 2009 at 10:46 pm Said:

   You don’t need the officer’s name but dates, places, punishments, fines, etc – be candid.

3. Olya , on November 10th, 2009 at 2:41 pm Said:

   Ann, thank you for bringing this topic up. I was not even aware of this practice. From your admissions experience, what does really play a role in admission process? The actual information or the ability to air it all? Interesting enough, nobody is seeing this as another information hook spun as “must be candid to be in our school”. Where do we as applicants draw the line? Granted I have no record as such, but in my opinion this application inquiry might be crossing the line.

4. Liz , on December 10th, 2009 at 7:30 pm Said:

   Ann,

   Thank you so much for all of your advice. I have a similar question regarding the amount of information to disclose to law schools. I have come across applications that have asked me to list the other law schools to which I have applied or intend to apply. All but one mark the question as optional. How do law school admission officers view answers to this question? Are they able to get the information from other sources? Thank you in advance for your help.

5. Ann Levine , on December 11th, 2009 at 11:46 am Said:

   Hi Liz,
   I talk about this in my book, but basically there’s no point in being evasive. It’s a marketing question. Unless you have a 150 LSAT and you list top 5 schools or you list all schools on the opposite coast from the one where you’re applying, you should be fine. It’s a marketing question more than anything else and it would appear insincere to make it look like you’re not applying to other schools.
   Have a great weekend!

6. Traffic Ticket Defense , on April 26th, 2010 at 10:29 am Said:

   Nice. You have a couple of good points The issue with the legal system is that it doesn’t always work for you. It is a failed system and needs to be revised.

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