Criminal Record/Employment Question

[Atomic Punk]

If a person has a criminal record of 2 misdemeanor drug charges, is that person ineligible to aquire future employment in ANY Law-oriented field? Such as a Lawyer, Cop, etc. Thanks

 

[liftshard]

Depends upon the employer.

 

[Rick Collins]

For lawyers, two drug convictions, even misdemeanors, could result in suspension or even disbarrment, although policies may differ widely by state.

 

[Atomic Punk]

For lawyers, two drug convictions, even misdemeanors, could result in suspension or even disbarrment, although policies may differ widely by state.

If you are convicted while you are employed as an attorney, then I understand. Does the same apply though if the convictions happened before you enter into that field? Would it be held against you the same way? Would it make you exempt from actually becoming an attorney?

Here is my situation:

The actual arrests both happened in 1997, but the last one wasn't processed through court totally(meaning I served my sentence)until 2001. To qualify for Student Loans, you have to have either completed a drug program, or wait 2 years, or both. Either way I have done both, so it won't matter. Anyway, this is why I'm asking. I have an Associate Degree in CRJ, and am thinking about trying to get into Law School, after I complete my Bachelors, as I am now again eligible for Student Loans & Grants. I wouldn't want to:

1. Go back to school to try to get my Bachelors in CRJ, and then have these convictions:

a. Keep me from getting into the law school. or
b. Make the BS Degree worthless, because there isn't any area I can get into in that field.

I don't want to go back to school, and study for a degree that would be worthless is what I'm basically saying.

 

[Rick Collins]

To be admitted to the Bar, one needs to be evaluated by the jurisdiction's Character and Fitness Committee. I don't know of any per se rule in New York regarding prior convictions, but different states may have different policies. Maybe an attorney friend in your area could put a call in on your behalf and check out the policy without identifying you. Good luck!

 

[liftshard]

Contact the Bar of the State and ask them what the fitness requirements are. They vary from state to state.

When I applied for the bar membership, they even wanted my driving record, presumably for DUI offenses.

There are always exceptions to be had, but they are rare and normally come from people who really HAVE cleaned up their lives. As you are presumably still using drugs for which a misdemeanor conviction could ensue, this would not include you and if you expect to lie your way into the bar, that is not exactly the best way to start out in the legal profession.

 

[Atomic Punk]

There are always exceptions to be had, but they are rare and normally come from people who really HAVE cleaned up their lives. As you are presumably still using drugs for which a misdemeanor conviction could ensue, this would not include you and if you expect to lie your way into the bar, that is not exactly the best way to start out in the legal profession.

HUH?