Got a DWI a few days ago should I still rush?

[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.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by 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.

Expelled just for being arrested? I don't think I've heard of a sorority doing that on my campus...or a lot of people would've been kicked to the curb.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

Expelled just for being arrested? I don't think I've heard of a sorority doing that on my campus...or a lot of people would've been kicked to the curb.

Seems like there was thread a few years ago from a sorority member that happened to. IIR, she was trying to figure out how to appeal/get reinstated.

ETA: Found it, though that story takes some turns.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Seems like there was thread a few years ago from a sorority member that happened to. IIR, she was trying to figure out how to appeal/get reinstated.

ETA: Found it, though that story takes some turns.

Meh that's different, her chapter was already in trouble for alcohol violations, unfortunate timing, but that actually makes sense to me.

But damn, I think expelling a member just for being arrested (or even convicted if it's a minor charge, like MIP/MIC etc.) is way too harsh.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

Meh that's different, her chapter was already in trouble for alcohol violations, unfortunate timing, but that actually makes sense to me.

Yeah, it was somewhat different (and a bit crazy), but still expulsion just for getting arrested apparently was possible.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Yeah, it was somewhat different (and a bit crazy), but still expulsion just for getting arrested apparently was possible.

I bet it's possible for a lot of organizations, if the standards for expulsion arent' extremely specific but eesh. Glad my campus is a little more laid back, or our Greek community would have lost some good leaders that made one mistake at 18.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

Expelled just for being arrested? I don't think I've heard of a sorority doing that on my campus...or a lot of people would've been kicked to the curb.

Let me qualify by saying that's hearsay, but it is from a credible source.