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Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:24 pm
by pleasehelp123
I was recently charged with possession of marijuana in AZ and am a 3L in CA. I understand how horrible this timing is, but was wondering if anyone has had any experience passing their moral character determination under such circumstances.

CA Bar page mentions 2 year abstention from the substance, which is not possible as I graduate in May.

Any help is appreciated.

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:26 pm
by Tsispilos
I suggest you move to Canada and see what you need to do to pass their bar. Maybe get an LLM from like UT or McGill in the meantime.

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:31 pm
by pleasehelp123
Does anyone else have any actual advice or experience with a similar situation?

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:34 pm
by mpj_3050
Man, that sucks - it was terrible timing and I feel for you. A lot of people don't realize that even in a state where it is decriminalized it still counts as a drug offense and then you are ineligible for financial aid for a year (at least I am pretty sure that is how it goes). It really blows to have something like that which most people would agree has absolutely no bearing on your ability to practice law ethically.

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:40 pm
by Alyosha
There are lawyers who specialize in helping people pass the bar who have problematic issues in their past. They will be able to help you a lot better than anyone on here will (though it will cost).

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:49 pm
by ToTransferOrNot
Heh, good luck with that. I think it's probably safe to say that no, no one on this board "has experience with a similar situation."

Hope it was good stuff.

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 12:40 am
by traehekat
lol @ username

Re: Drug conviction in law school for moral character

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 12:56 am
by random5483
No idea.

Contact the CA bar, find out your options. Contact your school's financial aid department, see if you still qualify for your loans.