Can a felon or criminal take the bar?

Question

I see it in movies where prisoners study law while doing time then say they are going to become a lawyer. Can they?

Answer 1

Here in Wisconsin, to be good lawyer and pass the bar all you have to do is get busted for DUI. Remember our attorny general she set the trend. A good 80% of our lawyers are felions them selves. As our elected officials are. So i say yes!!!!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

They can graduate law school. So, they can have the legal knowledge equivalent to any other attorney. And generally, they can take the bar exam, because that test is just one step of the process.

But almost all states require all bar candidates to pass a moral character review before being admitted to practice law. And while a felony or lesser criminal conviction is not an automatic failure, the person would have a very difficult time proving they were truly rehabilitated and now of "good moral character".

And a lawyer convicted of a felony is almost always disbarred immediately, some states making that an automatic punishment.

Answer 4

My understanding is when a person has a felon they can't vote how would they qualify for the bar? Yes they can study law and be a lawyer but not honored by the bar I imagine because you have to inform the state of your criminal background

Answer 5

Criminal Record Search Database : http://www.SearchVerifyInfo.com/Official

Answer 6

Depends on the laws of each individual state.

Answer 7

Given how many lawyers are eventually convicted of felonies I'd say yes.

Answer 8

if you been convicted of a felon you may not take the bar now that does not necessary mean that you can't do non court law.

Answer 9

I don't think so but you can always contact a lawyer's office and find out

Answer 10

If you have already been convicted of a felony then you may not sit for the bar.