Becoming a DA with a criminal record Forum

[Anonymous User]

I hope I'm posting this in the correct section.

I will be starting law school this fall, and I am only interested in working as an ADA when I graduate. Unfortunately, I have a criminal record that consists of an expunged possession of marijuana charge, as well as a DUI. By the time I graduate law school, both of these charges will be 7-8 years old.

Is having a clean record a prerequisite for becoming a District Attorney, or are these decision made on a state-by-state/case-by-case basis?

Thanks in advance.

[beaverfuzz]

I would bet this is office-specific.

[kapachino]

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work. I think having a record would definitely limit your employment options in regards to that section of law.

[MrPapagiorgio]

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis. The mj charge isn't that bad because it was expunged. And the DUI will be less offensive because it will be years old by then (long enough that any probation would be over). Nonetheless, put yourself in a DA's position. Unless your LS has a history in the district you want to work in and/or you have stellar grades, why would you pick someone with a criminal history over someone who was clean?

[A'nold]

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis. The mj charge isn't that bad because it was expunged. And the DUI will be less offensive because it will be years old by then (long enough that any probation would be over). Nonetheless, put yourself in a DA's position. Unless your LS has a history in the district you want to work in and/or you have stellar grades, why would you pick someone with a criminal history over someone who was clean?

Freaking love that 'tar.

[kapachino]

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis.

Which is why I suggested a possible alternative if the DA track doesn't work out. OP is going to have a tougher time finding a job as a prosecutor with a record, which he/she already knows.

OP, I say go for it and see where you end up. Don't get discouraged just yet.

[MrPapagiorgio]

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis. The mj charge isn't that bad because it was expunged. And the DUI will be less offensive because it will be years old by then (long enough that any probation would be over). Nonetheless, put yourself in a DA's position. Unless your LS has a history in the district you want to work in and/or you have stellar grades, why would you pick someone with a criminal history over someone who was clean?

Freaking love that 'tar.

Lol thanks

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis.

Which is why I suggested a possible alternative if the DA track doesn't work out. OP is going to have a tougher time finding a job as a prosecutor with a record, which he/she already knows.

OP, I say go for it and see where you end up. Don't get discouraged just yet.

Oh I liked that you offered an alternative. Your reasoning just made me laugh--criminals make better criminal defense lawyers (not laughing AT you though )

[kapachino]

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis. The mj charge isn't that bad because it was expunged. And the DUI will be less offensive because it will be years old by then (long enough that any probation would be over). Nonetheless, put yourself in a DA's position. Unless your LS has a history in the district you want to work in and/or you have stellar grades, why would you pick someone with a criminal history over someone who was clean?

Freaking love that 'tar.

Lol thanks

You sound like a better fit for criminal defense. You know what it's like to be in trouble, and that could give you passion for your work.

TINTCR.

I don't think it would really be a problem, but like you say, it's probably on a case-by-case basis.

Which is why I suggested a possible alternative if the DA track doesn't work out. OP is going to have a tougher time finding a job as a prosecutor with a record, which he/she already knows.

OP, I say go for it and see where you end up. Don't get discouraged just yet.

Oh I liked that you offered an alternative. Your reasoning just made me laugh--criminals make better criminal defense lawyers (not laughing AT you though )

Yeah, I missed that entirely.