I believe I have the answer to this question, at least for the purposes of applying to HBS and Sloan, but figured I'd ask to be sure, and more importantly see if other states have similar laws.
The situation is that last year I made a mistake and got a DUI driving home from a football game. I blew a .09... even waited 3 hours between drinking and driving, but obviously wasnt enough. No matter what it was a mistake and on most applications I was planning on explaining that, as most applications have sections where you're supposed to report any criminal history you have.
I noticed on the HBS application that it said
'Under Massachusetts law, you may exclude from your answer any first convictions for the misdemeanors of drunkenness, simple assault, speeding, minor traffic violations, affray, or disturbance of the peace.' Now... a 1st DUI (a misdemeanor and no injuries or anything associated with it) doesn't necessarily fall uner a 'misdemeanor of drunkenness' or a 'minor traffic violation', but does seem to comparably serious. So I emailed HBS' admissions office and asked if a DUI can be excluded under this law, and the answer I got was a short and sweet 'Yes'. Hopefully this helps other people and hopefully I'm not on a s***list for asking
A few questions (I guess I coulda skipped most of the background and just asked...):
1. Being that they didn't go into more detail, I want to be absolutely sure before I submit this app and omit the DUI... do we know for a fact I can exclude it?
2. Do any other states have similar laws?
3. From people who did have to report such things on their applications - any tips on how to do it? (PM me if you're willing to help but don't want your info in the public eye)
Thanks!