Hi everyone,

When I was 19, there was an incident where I was given an alcohol citation. Will the Real Estate Commission deny my license for something like this? I wasn't ever arrested or breathylised because of my cooperation, and I have no previous charges. I didn't think anything of it until I was asked to fill out the PSI form today.

Also, do they automatically check your record when you check the box, or do they require you to send a letter of explaination?

How old are you now...?

I'm 20 now. This happened when I had just turned 19, so it was about a year ago.

You probably should ask a broker in your state this question or look on your state's real estate commission website.

I've looked at the website, and the only people who have gotten denied from 2004-2008 were people who were charged with;

-2 counts of cocaine distribution
-money laundering
-bank fraud

Is it generally customary look at my record first to make a decision, or should I prepare an explanation?

A broker in your state would know the answer to this better than we would. Each state is different.

Specifically, how is the question worded on the PSI application?

You might be reading too much into it.

It said misdemeanors and felonies, and alcohol citations are misdemeanors in the state of MD.

It's interesting how an alcohol citation could be grouped together with rape and murder. I would think that they would ask you to specify. I've learned my lesson!

Does Maryland fingerprint for real estate license applications? Most states do now.
Your best bet is to be completly forthcoming on your application with a full explanation. If you were given a citation (and paid a fine) it's like a traffic ticket, you admitted guilt. But if it was so minor that you were never booked and fingerprinted, I can't believe the state would deny you a license.