[Kevin]

With regard to background checks, I actually do run limited public records background checks of everyone who accepts a bid with my chapter. (I am the chapter advisor) 99% of the time, that's churned up nothing. In one case, a prospective member had an arson conviction, so you never know.

As far as Nathan's situation, your business is your business. If they don't ask, don't tell. If a kid in my chapter had this issue and hadn't made the chapter aware, I wouldn't see it as a huge problem, but I'd probably speak to his marshal (pledge trainer), make sure he addressed it, then expect it not to be a problem.

At the risk one of the men in my chapter read this, a first DUI/DWI conviction in most states is no big deal from a criminal standpoint. It's financially costly, but the penalties typically only include a possibly suspended driver's license; potentially having to have an interlock device installed on your vehicle; definitely going to drug/alcohol assessment and victims' impact panels; paying of various fees to various entities and of course, my personal favorite, attorney's fees. From a Greek organization's standpoint, it varies. I know sororities at my alma mater would expel members simply for being arrested (regardless of whether a conviction occurred). On the other hand, fraternities (in my limited experience) tend to look the other way for things like MIP, public intox and social host arrests.

As far as offering you specific advice with regard to your legal situation, presumably you have a lawyer who you've paid a flat rate retainer fee to and his services should include relevant legal advice tailored to your situation. You shouldn't be bashful about calling him/her up and explaining the situation and asking for specific advice as to how the terms of your suspended sentence/probation/whatever would relate to your pledging a fraternity.