More details to this question:
I am about to begin law school in the fall and am concerned about potential C&F issues I will have when I apply for the bar in 2017 when I graduate. In 2002, I was arrested and charged with a DUI. I eventually plead to DWI. In 2005, I was charged with a second DUI. This was eventually plead down to DUI 1 in 2007. By the time I graduate, it will have been nearly ten years since my last conviction. Will I be denied the opportunity to sit to the state I live in and hope to practice in the bar exam? No other criminal issues on my record other than a couple of speeding tickets. Thanks in advance!
6 ANSWERS
Social Security Disability Attorney serving Melbourne, FL
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Law Office of Robert E. McCall
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Depends upon the rules in effect when you apply.
Answered on Mar 26th, 2014 at 6:08 AM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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You should probably be ok.
Answered on Mar 25th, 2014 at 2:39 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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Call the state bar in the state you want to practice in and ask who they will handle such a question presently. That will not guarantee how it is handled in the future. I would also be prepared to prove sobriety.
Answered on Mar 25th, 2014 at 2:22 PM
Instead of worrying about the jail time, you need to focus your attention on expungement. You need to have successfully completed the entire term of probation, have nothing criminal pending, and not be on probation for any other offense(s). Contact a lawyer to file the petition for expungement on your behalf.
Answered on Mar 25th, 2014 at 1:54 PM
Creditor's Rights Attorney serving Clayton, MO
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Fluhr & Moore, LLC
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You ask a difficult question to answer and I am sure it varies from state to state. In both Illinois and Missouri, the bar examiners are looking to the candidate as a whole. DWI's can have a negative impact on whether or not you are allowed to sit for the bar. The phrase used to deny an applicant is "habitual drunkenness." Such character trait is considered improper for a lawyer. If you still want to be a lawyer, I would suggest not only alcohol counseling, but taking up some community service which would help those with alcohol problems.
Answered on Mar 25th, 2014 at 10:23 AM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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The conviction buy themselves should not be enough for you to fail character and fitness. What the bar is concerned about is if you can demonstrate rehabilitation. The bar is especially concerned about lawyers who have or may have substance abuse issues as this has been a major plague among the legal profession. A recent substance abuse evaluation showing that you are clean and not likely to relapse would be very helpful.
Answered on Mar 25th, 2014 at 10:17 AM