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Legal Question

M

magnumsize77

Member
Hey, are there any states where you can still become a lawyer with a felony on your record?...i was wrongly convicted of a Class D (lowest) felony in pennsylvania...and I know by PA's record that I have NO chance of getting it expunged...Practing law is the only thing I really want to do...so this is very important
 
AFAIK felony convictions only stay in background checks for employment for 7 years...

but it might be more helpful to know what you were convicted wrongly for...
 
Originally posted by: DevilsAdvocate
Originally posted by: Playmaker
Doubtful.

Maybe Texas.
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A friend of mine had a conviction for some sort of possession. I believe it was a misdemeanor offense.
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Heh, I was just kidding about Texas. I believe there is a difference in character and fitness requirements in different states, though.

OP: In all seriousness, I would THINK that anything beyond a DUI, misdemeanor possession, etc. would rule you out. If it's assault/weapons/felony drug offense I would think you're definitely screwed. Are you already in law school? If not, you'll find out when you apply...What were you "wrongly" convicted of?
 
This is not per se disqualifying in all states. You'd want to contact the bar in whatever states are of interest to you. My mother was on the Board of Law Examiners here in Minnesota for several years, and I once had occasion to ask her about it because I had a criminal defense client who wanted to practice law in the future. They do not disqualify a person because of any particular criminal conviction (though obviously some convictions, particularly those for embezzling or other crimes of dishonesty, are effectively disqualifying).

The most important thing is honesty. When I applied to the MN bar I disclosed an arrest that I could probably have left out of my application - it's so important to be honest that I felt it was better to be inclusive and let them know about it.
 
Originally posted by: DonVito
This is not per se disqualifying in all states. You'd want to contact the bar in whatever states are of interest to you. My mother was on the Board of Law Examiners here in Minnesota for several years, and I once had occasion to ask her about it because I had a criminal defense client who wanted to practice law in the future. They do not disqualify a person because of any particular criminal conviction (though obviously some convictions, particularly those for embezzling or other crimes of dishonesty, are effectively disqualifying).

The most important thing is honesty. When I applied to the MN bar I disclosed an arrest that I could probably have left out of my application - it's so important to be honest that I felt it was better to be inclusive and let them know about it.
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Yep.; Tis better to err on the side of overdisclosure.
 
Ohio requires an extensive background check and interview before bar admission.

As mentioned crimes involving dishonesty/fraud are automatic red flags while DUIs/drug possession may be an issue if it seems like the applicant has a problem that has not been addressed.

A friend from law school wad drilled in his interviews because of a few missed/late child support payments as an undergrad but other students with alcohol-related issues did not seem to have too many issues.

In Ohio recently there has been a lot of controversy about an admitted attorney who was jailed for being a look-out in a robbery where a cop was killed. Since he was an accomplice he was charged as a cop-killer.

 
Originally posted by: magnumsize77
i was wrongly convicted of drug possession with intent to distribute...
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I would think that, other things being equal, this would be considered a relatively benign felony conviction. As I said, I'd contact the state bars of any states you'd consider practicing in, but one low-level drug felony will not disqualify you in many states, as long as you can show evidence of rehabilitation. I will say, though, that they will likely not appreciate your maintaining your innocence, since you are guilty as a matter of law, so only do that if you truly are innocent.
 
Originally posted by: magnumsize77
i was wrongly convicted of drug possession with intent to distribute...
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Haha, don't go in claiming you were "wrongly" convicted, otherwise you're just wasting your time...
 
Originally posted by: magnumsize77
Hey, are there any states where you can still become a lawyer with a felony on your record?...i was wrongly convicted of a Class D (lowest) felony in pennsylvania...and I know by PA's record that I have NO chance of getting it expunged...Practing law is the only thing I really want to do...so this is very important
Click to expand...

If you are that interested in becoming an attorney you should have used a bit better judgement in regards of your extracurricular activities.

Did your momma not tell you drugs can ruin your life?
 
Originally posted by: DonVito
Originally posted by: magnumsize77
i was wrongly convicted of drug possession with intent to distribute...
Click to expand...

I would think that, other things being equal, this would be considered a relatively benign felony conviction. As I said, I'd contact the state bars of any states you'd consider practicing in, but one low-level drug felony will not disqualify you in many states, as long as you can show evidence of rehabilitation. I will say, though, that they will likely not appreciate your maintaining your innocence, since you are guilty as a matter of law, so only do that if you truly are innocent.
Click to expand...

I would think that the possession component of the charge would not be a big deal, but the intent to distribute just might be.

DonVito is right. Contact your local state bar association. They shoulod be able to tell you if that would DQ you from getting a license to practice.
 
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