Will a bench warrant arrest for an unpaid ticket show on a criminal background check?
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Will a bench warrant arrest for an unpaid ticket show on a criminal background check?
I would like to go to law school. During their criminal background check, will they discover I was arrested for an unpaid parking ticket. I was held for 3 hours, released, paid the fine, and no charges were ever filed. If discovered, will these void my chances of getting into school? How should I handle this?
Asked on September 25, 2010 under Criminal Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Theoretically, any arrest for any reason will show up on a background check. The best way for you to find out is to run one on yourself to see what comes up. The way to have it visibly removed is to have the arrest "expunged" or "sealed" depending on your state. As for admission to law school, does the application ask about arrests or convictions? Does it give you a space for explanations and do you have a good one? Given the "offense" I doubt that it would hurt your chances to get in to school but I do not think that you should cover it up either. Youa re going to have to go before the character committee at some point when you pass the bar and are attempting to be admitted to practice law. Fess up early. Good luck.
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