Criminal Record and Law School Forum

[edubs003]

I want people to read my personal statement and tell me what you think. I don't want to be looked down on for having a criminal record but after reading several posts with similar situations, I thought my statement could use some opinions. I've already applied to schools with this statement. I'm not what you would consider a "good" applicant. My life went to shit in 09' (2010 is way better!), my GPA isn't good (3.0), and my LSAT is disappointing compared to what I was scoring in PT. PM me if you want more info. Thanks for the responses in advance.

Edit:

[2Serious4Numbers]

Although this is more addendum-worthy material, you should have followed PS ~rule 4 "never paint yourself in a negative light" -- it doesn't have to be shooting stars and rainbows but this is just doesn't make you look like a solid candidate IMHO. Talk about another experience (legal internship, emotional/life experience, anything that's more consistent with other PS these guys read) you want to be a unique snowflake, but not for this.

[RPK34]

In my opinion, scrap the whole thing. Pick another topic.

[TommyK]

A little off-topic here, but are you confident you would be able to be admitted to the bar, should you get into law school and subsequently graduate and pass the exam?

[northwood]

Scrap it. While the theme of overcoming substance abuse is good, your essay sheds negative light on you. Write an addendum explaining your past and jail time. Use the PS to talk about a positive accomplishment. While overcoming alcohol addiction is a tremendous accomplishment, the fact taht you had to go to jail, and the nature of your charges would put some serious doubt in the admissions officers mind.

[edubs003]

A little off-topic here, but are you confident you would be able to be admitted to the bar, should you get into law school and subsequently graduate and pass the exam?

I don't really know. I was going to wait until I'm accepted somewhere and then look or contact the state bar.

Also, I've contacted a couple state bars in my area and they seem to give me the same answer, "its a case by case basis and we really can't let you know until you apply to sit for the bar." I'll probably contact an attorney if I get in anywhere.

[edubs003]

Scrap it. While the theme of overcoming substance abuse is good, your essay sheds negative light on you. Write an addendum explaining your past and jail time. Use the PS to talk about a positive accomplishment. While overcoming alcohol addiction is a tremendous accomplishment, the fact taht you had to go to jail, and the nature of your charges would put some serious doubt in the admissions officers mind.

I guess I don't really see the negative light you're talking about. I went to jail, changed my whole lifestyle, quit drinking, went back to school and kicked ass/gave back through community service. What's the negative light? Yes, I understand that going to jail is not such a good thing to write about but as I wrote in my statement, it was the catalyst that started all of these changes.

[IAFG]

Law schools are not going to admit you unless they think it is likely you will pass character and fitness. An unapologetic convicted rapist is probably not going to get through.

[edubs003]

Law schools are not going to admit you unless they think it is likely you will pass character and fitness. An unapologetic convicted rapist is probably not going to get through.

Well that's not what I was convicted of, check the state statutes. Also, did you even read my PS?

[IAFG]

Law schools are not going to admit you unless they think it is likely you will pass character and fitness. An unapologetic convicted rapist is probably not going to get through.

Well that's not what I was convicted of, check the state statutes. Also, did you even read my PS?

I did, and I actually think you're a good writer. I still think you won't pass.

[edubs003]

Law schools are not going to admit you unless they think it is likely you will pass character and fitness. An unapologetic convicted rapist is probably not going to get through.

Well that's not what I was convicted of, check the state statutes. Also, did you even read my PS?

I did, and I actually think you're a good writer. I still think you won't pass.

Well thanks. I've worried about not passing the character and fitness. I'm just waiting to see if I even get in anywhere. I guess we'll find out soon enough. I don't think it makes much sense to deny me admission but If I can't pass the C&F, then there's no point. Of course I'm not a good candidate but I have heard that people have been admitted with worse. Also, I would be sitting in front of the C&F 5+ years after the conviction.

[AsianCurveKiller]

Law schools are not going to admit you unless they think it is likely you will pass character and fitness. An unapologetic convicted rapist is probably not going to get through.

Well that's not what I was convicted of, check the state statutes. Also, did you even read my PS?

I did, and I actually think you're a good writer. I still think you won't pass.

Well thanks. I've worried about not passing the character and fitness. I'm just waiting to see if I even get in anywhere. I guess we'll find out soon enough. I don't think it makes much sense to deny me admission but If I can't pass the C&F, then there's no point. Of course I'm not a good candidate but I have heard that people have been admitted with worse. Also, I would be sitting in front of the C&F 5+ years after the conviction.

This is a good PS. If you are being truthful about the charges, then it tells a great story.

People have done a lot worse than sexual battery and been admitted to the bar. No doubt you will have trouble, but with five years and a clean record behind you it will probably be okay. Like you said, it is imperative to talk to the state bar where you plan on practicing law.Besides, most lawyers (and the vast majority of professors) at least implicitly believe the justice system and prosecutors in particular are massively corrupt.

[eliekedourie]

This is a good PS. If you are being truthful about the charges, then it tells a great story.

People have done a lot worse than sexual battery and been admitted to the bar. No doubt you will have trouble, but with five years and a clean record behind you it will probably be okay. Like you said, it is imperative to talk to the state bar where you plan on practicing law.Besides, most lawyers (and the vast majority of professors) at least implicitly believe the justice system and prosecutors in particular are massively corrupt.

You're f'ing kidding right?

[edubs003]

This is a good PS. If you are being truthful about the charges, then it tells a great story.

People have done a lot worse than sexual battery and been admitted to the bar. No doubt you will have trouble, but with five years and a clean record behind you it will probably be okay. Like you said, it is imperative to talk to the state bar where you plan on practicing law.Besides, most lawyers (and the vast majority of professors) at least implicitly believe the justice system and prosecutors in particular are massively corrupt.

You're f'ing kidding right?

About which part?

[eliekedourie]

"Besides, most lawyers (and the vast majority of professors) at least implicitly believe the justice system and prosecutors in particular are massively corrupt."

Sorry. Not trying to bum you out. I'm fairly ignorant about your situation in particular and how it'll play out in C&F. This poster, however, is talking out of his a**.

[edubs003]

"Besides, most lawyers (and the vast majority of professors) at least implicitly believe the justice system and prosecutors in particular are massively corrupt."

Sorry. Not trying to bum you out. I'm fairly ignorant about your situation in particular and how it'll play out in C&F. This poster, however, is talking out of his a**.

Yeah I don't know how it will play out either. It just really sucks because this one incident could derail everything. Like I said, I'll have about 5+ years since the conviction if I do sit for the bar.

[justadude55]

i don't get it. they framed you for sexual battery. why you, and why anybody? what did she have to gain? it was like a 1st date.

[edubs003]

i don't get it. they framed you for sexual battery. why you, and why anybody? what did she have to gain? it was like a 1st date.

There's much more to it but I don't want to get into specifics. It was poorly investigated, my bail was raised after I was already bailed out, she was dating a cop at the time (I had no clue), she lied and said we never slept with each other before that night, and the list can go on. She had been raped her whole life by a stepbrother, abused by her husband, and eventually it all fell on me. It was like I was a scapegoat for her whole life.

[justadude55]

if this is all true, why don't you sue the police department? it sounds like they were grossly negligent in a way that damaged the quality of both your present and future. if you sued and woman, and had the conviction overturned, you would have no bar issues whatsoever.

EDIT: At any rate, this is a terrible PS, because it does the opposite of what a good PS should do - help you get in. if i read this, i'd think hmmmmmm, our students getting sexually battered....that sounds like something that might be bad. let me lightly reject this person so they don't pull a joran van der sleuth at our school.

[edubs003]

if this is all true, why don't you sue the police department? it sounds like they were grossly negligent in a way that damaged the quality of both your present and future. if you sued and woman, and had the conviction overturned, you would have no bar issues whatsoever.

I pled guilty. I don't think I can sue anyone now. Also, I hired a PI but that didn't mean shit to the court.

[justadude55]

Law schools are not going to admit you unless they think it is likely you will pass character and fitness. An unapologetic convicted rapist is probably not going to get through.

Well that's not what I was convicted of, check the state statutes. Also, did you even read my PS?

I did, and I actually think you're a good writer. I still think you won't pass.

to play devil's advocate, what does being a sexual batter/rapist have to do with being a good lawyer? can't you argue that a lawyer who lies on his taxes is more inclined to be a dishonest lawyer?

[TommyK]

I don't think the PS is a bad idea. It's not like they won't know about the conviction if he doesn't bring it up. I think it's kind of compelling. But the point is probably moot...

I just also don't think he has a shot even if his PS is about him curing cancer.

His gpa is low, low lsat, and sexual assault conviction. I'm not sure I'd want to go to any school willing to accept me with those three strikes.

[justadude55]

if this is all true, why don't you sue the police department? it sounds like they were grossly negligent in a way that damaged the quality of both your present and future. if you sued and woman, and had the conviction overturned, you would have no bar issues whatsoever.

I pled guilty. I don't think I can sue anyone now. Also, I hired a PI but that didn't mean shit to the court.

i'm confused. just because a woman wanted to sleep with u once does not give u access to her whenever. if that was the case, with the attractiveness of some of the women ive been with, i can assure you i would not be writing this right now.

[justadude55]

I don't think the PS is a bad idea. It's not like they won't know about the conviction if he doesn't bring it up. I think it's kind of compelling. But the point is probably moot...

I just also don't think he has a shot even if his PS is about him curing cancer.

His gpa is low, low lsat, and sexual assault conviction. I'm not sure I'd want to go to any school willing to accept me with those three strikes.

well a good LSAT score can change anything. if u break 170, ull get into a tier 1 somewhere. they'll just take out a bigger insurance policy on the female body.

[edubs003]

if this is all true, why don't you sue the police department? it sounds like they were grossly negligent in a way that damaged the quality of both your present and future. if you sued and woman, and had the conviction overturned, you would have no bar issues whatsoever.

EDIT: At any rate, this is a terrible PS, because it does the opposite of what a good PS should do - help you get in. if i read this, i'd think hmmmmmm, our students getting sexually battered....that sounds like something that might be bad. let me lightly reject this person so they don't pull a joran van der sleuth at our school.

I've had people tell me it's good, and people have told me it's bad. I don't really know what the adcom will think but I hope it's the opposite.