College student, traffic offenses, PLEASE HELP ASAP!

[future123]

I was arrested for reportedly getting into an traffic accident and leaving the scene. When I was arrested I was told my license was suspended because my insurance company cancelled my policy (never informed me for non-payment which is false) and informed the florida dmv. I have never been arrested before. I'm in college (senior Economics major 3. 9 gpa) with 3 professional job offers upon graduation (1-wall street, 2-real estate). After getting bailed out and using the services of a lawyer that specializes in traffic offenses, a plea has been negotiated with adjudication witheld and 6 months probation or until #X community service hours are completed. I have two traffic court offenses: hit & run-misdameanor, and driving with a suspended license-misdameanor. My lawyer called me today and said that I have to take the plea or go to trial by wednesday (by way of the judge).

My questions are: (1) Will these offenses show up in future background checks (of prestigous firms) and adversely affect my employment opportunities if I take the plea? (2) What is the probability of getting my record sealed (& to what extent) after meeting the terms of the plea (assuming I take it)? (3) Given that I have no prior criminal history, is this plea considerable? (4) What other advice would you give me in this situation?

P.S. Is my career in financial services (wall street) and real estate on the line or am I over-analyzing this situation?

Thank you in advance for your consderation and reponse.

 

[CdwJava]

You really should ask your attorney. The penalties in your un-named state could be extensive for a hit-and-run. Keep in mind that such a conviction is generally a misdemeanor, and while it may not preclude you from employment with anyone, a half-way decent background check WILL uncover this conviction and MIGHT result ina negative recommendation from a review committee.

However, there may not be a whole lot you CAN do to mitigate the damage done by your actions.

Ask your attorney if a deferred entry of judgment is available, or, how long it might be before you could seek to get the conviction expunged (provided that option is available in your state) if you are convicted and complete probation and other penalties in a timely manner.

- Carl