Criminal Convictions Forum

[rbrown0824]

Hello community, I'm wondering if anyone can provide me with any advice regarding law school admissions given my current situation. I intend on applying for law school either this year or next (depending on whether the class that I need for graduation will be offered in the spring or not), but I have a semi-extensive criminal record to overcome. As far as academics, I've consistently been pretty solid although I've been to about 4 different universities (including a community college). I have 3-3.5's and 4-4.0's. My current UGPA is a 4.0. However, I have approximately 7 criminal convictions from 2007-2012 (possession of marijuana x2, unauthorized use of property, receiving stolen property (felony), criminal trespassing, falsification, obstruction). Sadly, these are only the incidents that I was convicted of. Some of these convictions were a part of plea deals where other charges were dropped. If I have to report those as well then my C&F section will become even longer. All of these instances were a product of a drug addiction that I battled for six years. I have now been clean for two. I am currently volunteering with a few organizations to try and demonstrate a pattern of improved behavior. I also did done some volunteer work and had some internships at a couple law firms - even while in active addiction. I haven't taken the LSAT yet (September 2014), but my academic record is pretty solid aside from W's (4-5 when I was suspended from school due to the unauthorized use,;2 because I dropped classes after the due dates; 4 because I dropped out when my first son was born). I also had an issue with a brief stint at a University that I literally attended for like a month because I was arrested and consequently missed everything (midterms finals, etc.) because I was incarcerated; I came out with a 0.34 from that school. I'm wondering, considering all this information, what are my chances at law school and how might I best present my case for admission. Thanks

[Nucky]

Hello community, I'm wondering if anyone can provide me with any advice regarding law school admissions given my current situation. I intend on applying for law school either this year or next (depending on whether the class that I need for graduation will be offered in the spring or not), but I have a semi-extensive criminal record to overcome. As far as academics, I've consistently been pretty solid although I've been to about 4 different universities (including a community college). I have 3-3.5's and 4-4.0's. My current UGPA is a 4.0. However, I have approximately 7 criminal convictions from 2007-2012 (possession of marijuana x2, unauthorized use of property, receiving stolen property (felony), criminal trespassing, falsification, obstruction). Sadly, these are only the incidents that I was convicted of. Some of these convictions were a part of plea deals where other charges were dropped. If I have to report those as well then my C&F section will become even longer. All of these instances were a product of a drug addiction that I battled for six years. I have now been clean for two. I am currently volunteering with a few organizations to try and demonstrate a pattern of improved behavior. I also did done some volunteer work and had some internships at a couple law firms - even while in active addiction. I haven't taken the LSAT yet (September 2014), but my academic record is pretty solid aside from W's (4-5 when I was suspended from school due to the unauthorized use,;2 because I dropped classes after the due dates; 4 because I dropped out when my first son was born). I also had an issue with a brief stint at a University that I literally attended for like a month because I was arrested and consequently missed everything (midterms finals, etc.) because I was incarcerated; I came out with a 0.34 from that school. I'm wondering, considering all this information, what are my chances at law school and how might I best present my case for admission. Thanks

1) you'll have to disclose everything for a majority of schools. Charges, convictions, and even speeding tickets for some. Read the C&F sections carefully and fully disclose whatever they ask you for.

2) you will have to provide LSAC with transcripts from every college you've been enrolled in. So your 0.34 will hurt you, but it doesn't sound like it will hurt you too much.

I think with a rap sheet that long you'll need to put more than 2 years between you and these incidents. I'm thinking like 5+ years, especially because of the drug use. But someone else here can probably give you more insight than I can.

My advice would be to stay out of trouble, save some money, take the next few years to study and rock the LSAT, and keep doing whatever you can to prove rehabilitation. Everyone loves a redemption story but I think it may be too soon for anyone to take a chance on you just yet.

That being said, it sounds like you'll have a solid GPA, so if you destroy the LSAT it may not hurt to throw a few apps around next cycle and see what happens.

Good luck.

[Mal Reynolds]

The advice on here can only tell you about your admissions chances. But before that you should contact a C&F attorney immediately in the state you want to practice. There is no reason to apply to law school if you won't be able to pass the bar. Some of your convictions are actually substantive offenses that some bar committees really care about, e.g. falsification and dishonesty type claims.

I would say there is a pretty good chance your admissions chances will be hindered by your history. This isn't a one-off DUI by any means, but I really can't be sure. Besides C&F issues, I think your second biggest problem will be your GPA. You should add up all of your academic history and plug it in to an LSAC GPA calculator because that .34 semester is going to TANK your GPA. Also I wouldn't be surprised if some of those W's are penalty W's and not just W's you get after the add/drop date, and those count as F's.

If you have a low enough GPA I wouldn't bother with this type of history. It sounds like you're recovering from a rocky past and I don't think three years in law school is the right call if you can't get in to a solid school. But those require solid GPAs.

[jdx2014]

I posted a dick comment and then deleted it, I will assume this is legit.

Lawyers have flexibility where if we even mess up post licensed we can be forgiven if we seek help for the addiction creating the issue. You have to prove you overcame your illness/disability (addiction) and then I bet you can be ok if you prove you have "changed your life"

Be prepared that MANY states have a BLANKET BAN on felons though. Factor that in.

How bad do you want a JD? I 100% promise Cooley will take you.

[Nucky]

Yeah, definitely check with a C&F attorney in the state you plan to practice and/or attend law school in. You don't want to waste three years of your life and a ton of money on law school only to find out you can't pass the bar.

Even if you're admitted to a school you should probably sit out and put more distance between yourself and your arrests just for your BAR C&F exam.

[jdx2014]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

[Mal Reynolds]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

This is a really stupid comment.

[rbrown0824]

Thanks guys for the feedback so far. I will lookup a C&F attorney. I know that in Ohio (where I live) a felony wont automatically disqualify you from admission to the bar, but the dishonesty implicit in the falsification can't help (I gave a police officer a fake name...not my brightest moment). I actually am an URM for the person who asked

[jdx2014]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

This is a really stupid comment.

Yeah, no its just reality.

If you don't want to use the tools in your toolbelt fine. Cry about Aspies getting extra time on the LSAT too if you want.
I'm taking my extra points.

[Mal Reynolds]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

This is a really stupid comment.

Yeah, no its just reality.

If you don't want to use the tools in your toolbelt fine. Cry about Aspies getting extra time on the LSAT too if you want.
I'm taking my extra points.

Can you substantiate where you're getting that URMs will do better than whites with criminal records, all other things being equal? I'll wait here until you do.

[jdx2014]

Thanks guys for the feedback so far. I will lookup a C&F attorney. I know that in Ohio (where I live) a felony wont automatically disqualify you from admission to the bar, but the dishonesty implicit in the falsification can't help (I gave a police officer a fake name...not my brightest moment). I actually am an URM for the person who asked

Good to hear it, and seriously don't let the haters hold you down. Use that URM. IT WILL BE A FACTOR. (haters gonna hate, fuck'em)
best of luck to you man.

[jdx2014]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

This is a really stupid comment.

Yeah, no its just reality.

If you don't want to use the tools in your toolbelt fine. Cry about Aspies getting extra time on the LSAT too if you want.
I'm taking my extra points.

Can you substantiate where you're getting that URMs will do better than whites with criminal records, all other things being equal? I'll wait here until you do.

god I hope you actually do too.........

[Mal Reynolds]

That's what I thought.

[jdx2014]

That's what I thought.

you thought what?
that I hope you'd wait?
Did you stop waiting?

If you so you are a lier, and I don't waste my time with liers

[Mal Reynolds]

No that you were pulling information from your ass.

[jdx2014]

No that you were pulling information from your ass.

you said you'd wait...............you are a lier

shame

[jdx2014]

That's what I thought

[jdmonkey]

In my state the state Supreme Court establishes the C&F guidelines, and appoints the committee. I've spoken with a clerk who was on it and the falsification and obstruction are going to be issues. The drug use is overcome, and addiction is just like any other disease. But the dishonesty/fraud with the police is bad (Even though they can make up any nonsense story to get you to try confess to an unsolved crime).

What I would do before hiring an attorney is figure out who runs your C&F committee and tell them you are going to law school, and you would like to meet to discuss your situation. Also in 3 states being a felon automatically prevents you from sitting for the bar so check that.

Then what do you want to do with the law license? Big firms are going to see your crim record and get scared because they could get sued for negligent hiring if you went postal or committed malpractice. Plus they have workplace insurance and their policy might not allow them to hire a felon. Public interest also requires background checks. You may end up having to start your own practice.

[jdx2014]

In my state the state Supreme Court establishes the C&F guidelines, and appoints the committee. I've spoken with a clerk who was on it and the falsification and obstruction are going to be issues. The drug use is overcome, and addiction is just like any other disease. But the dishonesty/fraud with the police is bad (Even though they can make up any nonsense story to get you to try confess to an unsolved crime).

What I would do before hiring an attorney is figure out who runs your C&F committee and tell them you are going to law school, and you would like to meet to discuss your situation. Also in 3 states being a felon automatically prevents you from sitting for the bar so check that.

Then what do you want to do with the law license? Big firms are going to see your crim record and get scared because they could get sued for negligent hiring if you went postal or committed malpractice. Plus they have workplace insurance and their policy might not allow them to hire a felon. Public interest also requires background checks. You may end up having to start your own practice.

Do you think it matters if he was being dishonest due to reasons related to his addiction?

[jdmonkey]

In my state the state Supreme Court establishes the C&F guidelines, and appoints the committee. I've spoken with a clerk who was on it and the falsification and obstruction are going to be issues. The drug use is overcome, and addiction is just like any other disease. But the dishonesty/fraud with the police is bad (Even though they can make up any nonsense story to get you to try confess to an unsolved crime).

What I would do before hiring an attorney is figure out who runs your C&F committee and tell them you are going to law school, and you would like to meet to discuss your situation. Also in 3 states being a felon automatically prevents you from sitting for the bar so check that.

Then what do you want to do with the law license? Big firms are going to see your crim record and get scared because they could get sued for negligent hiring if you went postal or committed malpractice. Plus they have workplace insurance and their policy might not allow them to hire a felon. Public interest also requires background checks. You may end up having to start your own practice.

Do you think it matters if he was being dishonest due to reasons related to his addiction?

Don't know. She just said it is very hard to pass if convicted of a crime of dishonesty. I'm not sure how thoroughly it gets parsed. Hopefully OP's state is more liberal on this issue.

[cron1834]

That's what I thought

Wtf are you even talking about ITT? He's right to point out that you just made something up with literally no backup at all. This is a very serious problem that OP is facing, and your reverse racism schtick is not helping anyone.

[BillsFan9907]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

This is a really stupid comment.

Yeah, no its just reality.

If you don't want to use the tools in your toolbelt fine. Cry about Aspies getting extra time on the LSAT too if you want.
I'm taking my extra points.

Good luck. You're going to need them. Let me know how the weather is in Michigan.

[BillsFan9907]

Also are you a URM?

Reality is unless you are you probably won't get in with that backstory, but if you are they will view you as a Saint for "overcoming" it.
Just life being what it is.

This is a really stupid comment.

Yeah, no its just reality.

If you don't want to use the tools in your toolbelt fine. Cry about Aspies getting extra time on the LSAT too if you want.
I'm taking my extra points.

Can you substantiate where you're getting that URMs will do better than whites with criminal records, all other things being equal? I'll wait here until you do.[/quote]

The relatively poor performance of URMs is explained away by social ills not affecting non-URMs. Why wouldn't these same social ills be used to explain away crimes? There is one underlying philosophy.