Do you have pending charges or have you been convicted...

[sarahashley44]

I am applying for PhD programs in Biochemistry. Last week I was charged with possession of marijauna and drug paraphernalia--these items were in my vehicle (I was unaware) when I was pulled over for a speeding violation. Of course I am hiring an attorney to get these charges dismissed but with this happening so close to due dates, that won't matter much now. In most of my applications I am to address this and explain why I am in such a predicament.

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this?

[gellert]

Never been in this situation myself, but here's the best advice I have:

Why were you unaware about the drugs in your car? Depending on the reason, if you explain that, that could help.

Either way, address the speeding (as well as the drugs or being in such a situation where you didn't know there were drugs in your car) and talk about what you've learned from the experience. Try to spin it into something positive as much as you can, while remaining humble and without sounding like you're trying to make excuses for yourself.

Edited December 7, 2011 by gellert

[snes]

Wow, sorry to hear your predicament. I actually don't think you need to address the speeding -- from my experience schools don't care about traffic/driving matters.

But of course you have to address the drug charge if the application asks about any pending charges, but do you have any applications that only ask about convictions? I don't see any need to mention the charge if any schools only ask about convictions.

Was it a rental car? Was it a used car? Was it a car not registered to you? (Even if it's a car you used but maybe is registered to your parents, or something) I've heard more than one story of this happening to someone who had just bought a used car.

Anyway, sorry I don't have more advice but I'd say explain the situation with careful detail, be honest, and I think it will be okay.

Edited December 15, 2011 by snes