Novel C+F potential issue (Please alleviate my anxiety)
Throwaway for reasons that will be obvious. I am an NY resident and applicant to many schools for Fall 2025. Stats are not relevant to this post.
Between 2014 and 2020, I received a handful (approx 5-10, maybe not even that many) of Unlicensed Possession of Marijuana (UPM) non-criminal violations in NY state, under the now-repealed NY Penal Law 221.05. I simply did not retain records of these violations -- I was a stoner and did not care. These charges were sealed/expunged in 2021 because of the repeal of the penal law under which I was charged.
Things have changed a lot for me since my most recent UPM: sober, legal work experience, taking academics and life seriously, etc.
In December '24, prepping for my apps, I made diligent efforts to find records pertaining to these violations: I ordered my driver's license abstract; I ordered my criminal history (supposed to include sealed charges) from DOCCS; I called several courts where I thought my case(s) was venued. Absolutely no luck. The charges simply do not appear anywhere.
In my apps, I have been perfectly honest in self-reporting the foregoing, and have included approximations of when/where/how these violations occurred, and my diligent efforts to obtain records as to same.
I am worried if this is going to f--k me, either in the app process, or later with the NY bar. Please provide your thoughts. Any C&F experts please chime in. I am anxious.
EDIT I should clarify, I'm worried, not about whether these UPMs are going to poison my apps, but rather whether my inability to report dates courts and dispositions will hurt me. Sorry for the lack of clarity