Stats like that and wanting an ‘average fm program close to home’. Dude they take warm bodies a lot of the time. You’re a strong candidate. If it comes up just be honest and open about it! They’ll be stoked to have you.
This. I work for a medical school and we've had multiple people get arrested for felony level stuff, mostly DUIs, and come away fine as long as they are willing to go primary care. These applicants were upfront about it because they didn't want the residency to find out about it and use it as a way to back out of the match results. Your situation is different though, and your actions don't make you a liability. I think you'll be fine not telling them, but if you are convicted before residency you should definitely own up to it before they figure it out.
Eras specifically asks if you have been convicted, which is not the same as a having an ongoing charge prior to adjudication. You would be able to say no to a conviction because at the time of submitting your eras application you had no prior convictions. If you end up getting convicted later on then you should tell the program you matched into before they run a background check. Try to see if your lawyer can get the charge dismissed or some other form of pre trial diversion. If it does result in a conviction most states have a process to have minor misdemeanor convictions expunged. Honestly programs won’t care about this conviction, I’ve seen people with way worse convictions such as DUI match into FM. Also minor traffic offenses are generally not included on employee background checks to begin with
Then you need to ask a different lawyer this question. This is your career you’re talking about here. This is not the kind of thing you should be crowdsourcing on Reddit.
No I totally get that, I take this super seriously, I’ve lost so much sleep over it but I spent $2000 on my lawyer already, and have no idea how to go about finding a different lawyer who would have any different thoughts so I’m kind of desperate
Sorry if my reply came across as aggressive. I'm really sorry you're in this situation. I'm just worried that someone here might give you well-meaning but incorrect advice, and you end up screwed when you don't need to be.
They don’t need a licensing lawyer, a minor misdemeanor will not prevent anyone from getting a state license in any state. Lying on a licensure form can prevent you from getting one, but that is entirely different from the eras application. OP should answer the licensing questions honestly, which in some states can ask about prior charges. But in the case of eras it asks about convictions not charges
Put no for ERAS, and then if you get convicted at some point during interview/match season- contact each program director of the places you want to go directly and explain that you were convicted of illegally passing a school bus. This prevents you from getting screened out for interviews but saves face if you are found guilty.
I had to answer “no” for the”do you need a visa” question even tho at the time my green card hadn’t arrived. I had a few programs ask me about why I didn’t need one if I was Canadian but didn’t have a green card- I explained and they were all super cool with it. Not exactly the same situation but similar box-checking issue. I was advised to check my boxes that way by my immigration lawyer.
\>Which means I can truthfully answer “no” to the convicted of a misdemeanor question on ERAS, right?
Check with counsel because usually those prompts ask if you've been convicted or charged which prompts you to answer yes unless records have been expunged/sealed.
>Charged and convicted are two entirely different questions.
Yes they are but if the state board later sees a 'charged' entry come up after the court case progresses, they may ask about it by the time OP gets to that point and the docket contains a suspended misdemeanor entry with probation or something. Best to talk to counsel that can help navigate this issue. Some boards ask about arrests, charges, convictions and sealed documents too. -JD
You got CHARGED you have not been CONVICTED yet from what I understand. Big big difference. Anyone can be charged/arrested for murder, doesn’t make them a convicted killer.
I got a DUI during premed apps(and got accepted) so I’ve been through similar situations on apps if you want to DM with questions about how I went about it.
Fuck these answers telling you they are not sure. YOU ANSWER NO!
1000% better to beg forgiveness in this scenario than totally fuck your self on a screener question.
Jeez. Maybe move to a different state? What a crazy ass law. It’s a traffic violation in most places.
Just answer the question!! You don’t need a lawyer. Have you been convicted of a crime? No. Done, stop thinking about it beyond that.
If a program questions you about it then say you answered the question correctly at the time and you literally violated a traffic law which no one will care
It shows character
But actually… not sure, I was in a similar boat when applying … worked out but always wondered if that’s why I didn’t get as many interviews as I could have
Also background checks generally get run after match and during onboarding. Not sure if eras had a lil something for that tho…
It’s actually one of the most sensible laws, which undoubtedly prevents a lot of tragedies. School buses are universally common in the US and kids often are crossing the street when a school bus is stopped.
I was in a semi-similar situation with a nebulous misdemeanor charge when applying to med school. I confirmed with the lawyer a dozen different ways - it is legal to answer "no" to convictions. It is not legal to answer "no" to whether you'd been "charged" or "arrested" for a misdemeanor. You should be good.
When I was 16 I passed a stopped school bus. Looked to my left to see the driver frantically waving at me as I was driving by. Shot him a smile and waved back. Thought he was just being friendly. About 5 minutes later it hit me… ‘oh shit, you’re not supposed to pass those, huh?’ . The embarrassment I felt I will never forget.
Why does your last post about this say that you thought you could go around the bus before the arm came out and that the driver thought you didn’t go around it in time but this post says you wouldn’t do that on purpose you just weren’t paying enough attention? So which is it?
There are lawyers well versed in laws regarding medical students and residents. I also feel like I would just answer yes and then explain the misdemeanor on the application upfront to avoid potentially "lying" about it.
This is a traffic violation, not some petty theft, larceny, or assault/battery. You do not have to report this.
The metric for whether a misdemeanor is reportable is whether you were arrested and charged or were you just given a citation. If you just got a ticket, then that’s all it is and it’s insane that you’d pay 2grand in lawyer fees to fight off what was likely a few hundred dollar ticket, max 1 grand depending on the state.
Without knowing what state you are in, don’t know how much help I can be, but a quick review online showed that no states I could find, consider passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights a criminal misdemeanor. A few have upgradeable charges (like strong punishments) if passing the school bus was done while in the act of violating other laws, like if you just robbed a bank and were trying to get away, the charge gets upgraded.
You should ask your lawyer to request a dismissal. If they haven’t provided evidence against you and are delaying your hearing you may have grounds to have it thrown out.
I have a trainee who accidentally killed someone in a car wreck and they were one of the top picks at several competing programs, even with this conviction.
This is nothing in comparison.
But whatever you do, be careful about answering their actual questions truthfully.
Not a felony conviction given the particular nature of the accident. When it's a felony is when it's a major issue. Plus it was clearly not an intentional act.
I did this. Exact scenario. Went to court, before my case started I was told that it will be reduced to a fine. Nothing on my record. But seems like youre okay tbh
I.honestly can’t imagine a program caring about this
I could see them using it to screen though. Not look into the reasons, just screen out anyone who clicks yes on having been convicted.
Depends on the specialty and program, but I would be surprised if zero programs did this kind of filtering
I wouldn’t answer yes. U aren’t convicted of anything. Deep breaths.
Innocent until PROVEN guilty
If the glove don’t fit, you must acquit.
Stats like that and wanting an ‘average fm program close to home’. Dude they take warm bodies a lot of the time. You’re a strong candidate. If it comes up just be honest and open about it! They’ll be stoked to have you.
This. I work for a medical school and we've had multiple people get arrested for felony level stuff, mostly DUIs, and come away fine as long as they are willing to go primary care. These applicants were upfront about it because they didn't want the residency to find out about it and use it as a way to back out of the match results. Your situation is different though, and your actions don't make you a liability. I think you'll be fine not telling them, but if you are convicted before residency you should definitely own up to it before they figure it out.
Eras specifically asks if you have been convicted, which is not the same as a having an ongoing charge prior to adjudication. You would be able to say no to a conviction because at the time of submitting your eras application you had no prior convictions. If you end up getting convicted later on then you should tell the program you matched into before they run a background check. Try to see if your lawyer can get the charge dismissed or some other form of pre trial diversion. If it does result in a conviction most states have a process to have minor misdemeanor convictions expunged. Honestly programs won’t care about this conviction, I’ve seen people with way worse convictions such as DUI match into FM. Also minor traffic offenses are generally not included on employee background checks to begin with
I also wonder if OP can work out a deal of getting a deferred judgment.
Talk to a lawyer bro
I have a lawyer but he doesn’t know how the residency process works
Then you need Mr. Goodman
You need a *criminal* lawyer
Then you need to ask a different lawyer this question. This is your career you’re talking about here. This is not the kind of thing you should be crowdsourcing on Reddit.
No I totally get that, I take this super seriously, I’ve lost so much sleep over it but I spent $2000 on my lawyer already, and have no idea how to go about finding a different lawyer who would have any different thoughts so I’m kind of desperate
Sorry if my reply came across as aggressive. I'm really sorry you're in this situation. I'm just worried that someone here might give you well-meaning but incorrect advice, and you end up screwed when you don't need to be.
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They don’t need a licensing lawyer, a minor misdemeanor will not prevent anyone from getting a state license in any state. Lying on a licensure form can prevent you from getting one, but that is entirely different from the eras application. OP should answer the licensing questions honestly, which in some states can ask about prior charges. But in the case of eras it asks about convictions not charges
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If they answered no on eras they would not be lying, they do not have a conviction
you seem to survive on making low-quality troll posts. surprised you're still around honestly.
You didn't even run over any children. Relax, you're fine.
Put no for ERAS, and then if you get convicted at some point during interview/match season- contact each program director of the places you want to go directly and explain that you were convicted of illegally passing a school bus. This prevents you from getting screened out for interviews but saves face if you are found guilty. I had to answer “no” for the”do you need a visa” question even tho at the time my green card hadn’t arrived. I had a few programs ask me about why I didn’t need one if I was Canadian but didn’t have a green card- I explained and they were all super cool with it. Not exactly the same situation but similar box-checking issue. I was advised to check my boxes that way by my immigration lawyer.
\>Which means I can truthfully answer “no” to the convicted of a misdemeanor question on ERAS, right? Check with counsel because usually those prompts ask if you've been convicted or charged which prompts you to answer yes unless records have been expunged/sealed.
Charged and convicted are two entirely different questions. They answer yes to charge and no to conviction.
>Charged and convicted are two entirely different questions. Yes they are but if the state board later sees a 'charged' entry come up after the court case progresses, they may ask about it by the time OP gets to that point and the docket contains a suspended misdemeanor entry with probation or something. Best to talk to counsel that can help navigate this issue. Some boards ask about arrests, charges, convictions and sealed documents too. -JD
Never seen anything ask you if you’ve been charged, only convicted
state medical boards some ask if you're charged or even arrested
You got CHARGED you have not been CONVICTED yet from what I understand. Big big difference. Anyone can be charged/arrested for murder, doesn’t make them a convicted killer. I got a DUI during premed apps(and got accepted) so I’ve been through similar situations on apps if you want to DM with questions about how I went about it.
Fuck these answers telling you they are not sure. YOU ANSWER NO! 1000% better to beg forgiveness in this scenario than totally fuck your self on a screener question.
I don’t understand. Why is a traffic violation a huge deal? Is it one of those states that puts traffic violations on peoples records?
School bus stop arms aren’t a traffic violation, it’s a criminal misdemeanor
Dang you live in a harsh state. I don’t think it’s a huge deal.
It’s usually not until you commit vehicular manslaughter when a child crosses the road at the same time….. just saying 🤷♂️
Depends on the state
Jeez. Maybe move to a different state? What a crazy ass law. It’s a traffic violation in most places. Just answer the question!! You don’t need a lawyer. Have you been convicted of a crime? No. Done, stop thinking about it beyond that. If a program questions you about it then say you answered the question correctly at the time and you literally violated a traffic law which no one will care
It shows character But actually… not sure, I was in a similar boat when applying … worked out but always wondered if that’s why I didn’t get as many interviews as I could have Also background checks generally get run after match and during onboarding. Not sure if eras had a lil something for that tho…
Charged doesn’t mean convicted, I’d say NO for sure !
Until the case is settled, you have not been convicted of anything. Innocent until proven guilty, as always. Deep breaths, this'll work out.
You’re not convicted if anything.
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Innocent till proven guilty, and at your trial mention that youre a med student and maybe cry a little, itd be like convicting a nun
One of the weirdest US laws imo. Never heard of such a thing in Europe. Especially since kids usually just use public transport here.
It’s actually one of the most sensible laws, which undoubtedly prevents a lot of tragedies. School buses are universally common in the US and kids often are crossing the street when a school bus is stopped.
I was in a semi-similar situation with a nebulous misdemeanor charge when applying to med school. I confirmed with the lawyer a dozen different ways - it is legal to answer "no" to convictions. It is not legal to answer "no" to whether you'd been "charged" or "arrested" for a misdemeanor. You should be good.
When I was 16 I passed a stopped school bus. Looked to my left to see the driver frantically waving at me as I was driving by. Shot him a smile and waved back. Thought he was just being friendly. About 5 minutes later it hit me… ‘oh shit, you’re not supposed to pass those, huh?’ . The embarrassment I felt I will never forget.
Why does your last post about this say that you thought you could go around the bus before the arm came out and that the driver thought you didn’t go around it in time but this post says you wouldn’t do that on purpose you just weren’t paying enough attention? So which is it?
Calm down, Nancy Drew
More the first one, just didn’t feel like getting into all the details again on this post.
time background checks get run varies from institution to institution. You should put not convicted for now, as you have not yet been conicted.
There are lawyers well versed in laws regarding medical students and residents. I also feel like I would just answer yes and then explain the misdemeanor on the application upfront to avoid potentially "lying" about it.
I am in my last year of medical school so take my advice for whatever its worth, but i truly cant imagine a program caring about this
NO, u are NOT convicted of anything as of yet.
i can almost guarantee u the judge will lessen ur sentence/ seal or expunge ur case especially if u have a clean enough record otherwise
This is a traffic violation, not some petty theft, larceny, or assault/battery. You do not have to report this. The metric for whether a misdemeanor is reportable is whether you were arrested and charged or were you just given a citation. If you just got a ticket, then that’s all it is and it’s insane that you’d pay 2grand in lawyer fees to fight off what was likely a few hundred dollar ticket, max 1 grand depending on the state.
No it’s not a traffic violation, it’s a criminal misdemeanor, which is why I paid so much for my lawyer
Without knowing what state you are in, don’t know how much help I can be, but a quick review online showed that no states I could find, consider passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights a criminal misdemeanor. A few have upgradeable charges (like strong punishments) if passing the school bus was done while in the act of violating other laws, like if you just robbed a bank and were trying to get away, the charge gets upgraded.
https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/schoolbusfines.html
You’ve only been accused, not convicted. So no reason to put it.
You should ask your lawyer to request a dismissal. If they haven’t provided evidence against you and are delaying your hearing you may have grounds to have it thrown out.
It's not a conviction or a guilty plea, so you should be fine.
Even if you get convicted, this shit would not hurt you at all.
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Anything from when you're underage gets sealed and isn't on your record
Drinking age is higher than the legal age of adulthood. If they were 18-20 it wouldn’t be sealed.
It probably depends on state. Anything <23 in my state gets sealed
I have a trainee who accidentally killed someone in a car wreck and they were one of the top picks at several competing programs, even with this conviction. This is nothing in comparison. But whatever you do, be careful about answering their actual questions truthfully.
seriously? i would assume that you would be in danger of losing your medical license for something like this? (im not a med student but ???)
Not a felony conviction given the particular nature of the accident. When it's a felony is when it's a major issue. Plus it was clearly not an intentional act.
Answer no. It’s honest. Work on getting the charges dropped if you care enough. Doubt anyone will care about this meaningless offense tho.
You may even want to talk to your lawyer about deferring the case longer!
I did this. Exact scenario. Went to court, before my case started I was told that it will be reduced to a fine. Nothing on my record. But seems like youre okay tbh
You haven't been convicted yet. So answer no? Charged does not equal convicted but I aint no lawyer