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student4663 · Nov 7, 2007, 12:14 PM

When I was 18, I received a misdemeanor in the state of Texas for minor in possession. I was offered deferred disposition, and the case would be "dismissed" upon successful completion of probation. Shortly after, I completed the deferred disposition.

I want to apply to grad school next year and was wondering if this case would show up on any background checks.

Also, the question on the application says
"Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile, 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)?"

If I say no, will they even be able to tell in a background check? And if they can't even see it in a background check, how are they able to ask this question?

ScottGem · Nov 7, 2007, 12:21 PM

Generally only convictions will show up on background checks.

student4663 · Nov 7, 2007, 12:27 PM

From another thread:

Mar 28, 2007, 11:33 PM #4 Report Inappropriate Post
Clough
Ultra Member

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rock Island, IL
Posts: 4,340
Thank you for your answer.

I would still go the courthouse and see what, if anything is on record. Maybe the information is available online. More and more counties in the U.S. are posting things online through third-party online services. One of them is called Judici.

Online are speeding tickets, divorces, restraining orders, etc. Unfortunately, even records of dismissals of cases are posted.

Don't mean to alarm you, but it is true.

Some of the information that is online is frequently incorrect, such as birthdates, requirements specified by the courts, etc. What is online is only a docket listing.

Most people who I tell about the records being online are not aware of them. And, why should they be? They aren't interested in knowing the records of their friends.

So, the best way to find out about your records if that arrest record ever comes up as an issue, is to go to the courthouse and get a copy of your file.

ScottGem · Nov 7, 2007, 01:43 PM

Again, only convictions generally show up in a backgroud check. A more thorough check may glean more info. But a grtad school is not going to order a thorough check.

JudyKayTee · Nov 17, 2007, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

Again, only convictions generally show up in a backgroud check. A more thorough check may glean more info. But a grtad school is not going to order a thorough check.

Exactly - it depends on how thorough the background check is which often comes down to how much the requesting party wishes to pay.

JudyKayTee · Nov 17, 2007, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by student4663

When I was 18, I received a misdemeanor in the state of Texas for minor in possession. I was offered deferred disposition, and the case would be "dismissed" upon successful completion of probation. Shortly after, I completed the deferred disposition.

I want to apply to grad school next year and was wondering if this case would show up on any background checks.

Also, the question on the application says
"Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile, 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)?"

If I say no, will they even be able to tell in a background check? And if they can't even see it in a background check, how are they able to ask this question?

I shot my response back too quickly - whatever you do, do NOT lie on any applications. Grounds for dismissal for that day forward, no matter what the time frame is.