i think context does matter. the decision to how you approach the character and fitness essay for your application is yours, but it does not sound like you were dumb to me. it sounds like you went thru some shit and kind of had to make decisions in impossible situations as a literal child. even if the decisions were bad, this context is part of the truth of the charges. all of this sounds very political honestly, from how you got the charges to how the cases were resolved. i think it’s possible to be “accountable” for your actions and give context. it worked for me. it’s my understanding that a school that accepts you believes you can pass the bar - and will help you prepare to do so. you’ll definitely want to be intentional with your character and fitness essay, but i don’t think you’ll have a problem with being whiny or self-indulgent bc you haven’t here. i know nothing beyond my own school application experience and can’t speak to the bar yet. but i think you can unpack the contexts if you do it honestly, concisely, and intentionally.