can an exfelon take the bar exam after finishing law school, and can they practice law in the state of texas?

Question

In the state of Ohio, a person who had been in prison may practice law once they attend law school and pass the bar exam. I reside in texas now. I need to know if I can practice law in texas before I pay to attend law school. Thank you

Answer 1

All states have "fitness and character" requirements that a person must meet before being granted permission to take the bar exam and/or practice law.

For example, there is a gentleman (I forget his name right now) who was denied a license to practice law in Illinois, due to his white supremist beliefs. He had passed their bar exam. This was eventually upheld by the Supreme Court.

The rule from Texas can be found here: http://www.ble.state.tx.us/Rules/NewRules/ruleiv.htm

According to my reading of the rule, if you have been out of prison and/or off of probation/parole for at least 5 years, you may file a declaration of intention to study law.

I would suggest you contact a Texas attorney for more specific information about this, or the Texas Board of Law Examiners, at: http://www.ble.state.tx.us