Want to run for public office, but I have 3 DUIs.?

Question

Hello.

I am 23, just graduated from college with a degree in Poly Sci, and I am thinking about running for city council. But I have 3 DUIs.

Do I stand a chance?

My other option is to go to Law School, but I dont know if they allow people to enter if they have DUIs either.

Answer 1

Why not? The flippin' President of the United States was convicted of DUI, too. All you drunks will do well together.

Answer 2

Call or email law schools and just ask them outright if a criminal background is a problem.

So far as running for public office, I think the only thing that would exclude you is if any of the DUI's resulted in a felony conviction. Even if none of them did, your background - including these charges, and anything else you've done since you were born - is going to be dredged up and flaunted by an opponent, so, be prepared for that. Your best bet would be to make nice with an organization like MADD, and get active with showing how you've learned the error of your ways - and do this way before you throw your hat in any ring.

Answer 3

How recently were your DUIs? You're pretty young. If you are still on probation, it might be difficult to win (depending upon your city and the area in which you're running).
I would think that MOST law schools would probably admit you, although you have to be prepared to answer SERIOUS questions from bar examiners when you apply for the bar exam in 3 years. Although I had a friend who had been arrested, twice, I believe, for DUI and/or bar brawls who passed the character and fitness test and was allowed to sit for the bar.

The problem is that you've had _3_ DUIs, which shows a contempt for the law or a serious drinking problem. Have you sought help? Counseling? Are you a member of AA? If so, people forgive and forget. But you MUST show improvement. Let's not forget that our current president has a DUI on his record, and there's pretty good evidence he was a coke user, too.

Answer 4

There is nothing official stopping you from running for office or going to law school.

Just don't expect to get too many votes or expect to be chosen over the person with a clean record and the same GPA when applying to law school.

PS...I'd have a hard time hiring a 26 year old for a lawyer or voting for a 23 year old.... especially one who demonstrates that they have no absolutely no maturity by accumulating 3 DUI's.

Answer 5

You have an obvious problem.

You might solve it by going through a substance abuse program. Otherwise many or most State bars will -- when they see your convictions -- block your admission.

You can always find a law school to admit you; some only make perfunctory checks. But there's no point spending the time and money unless your way ahead is clear.

As for public office: the same advice is probably the best.

You would probably find it cheaper to hire a full-time chauffeur than to pay DUI tickets. Not to mention the jail time.

Answer 6

In NY, 3 DUI would have left you with no teeth in your month. Those jail house dentist would have knocked them out long ago.Go to law school or run as a Republican.

Answer 7

Like what, doing coke - President Bush Smoking Crack - Mayor Barry & then re-elected no longer respiration in - Former President Clinton Governor Gibbon - Plagiarism, Bribery & Alleged sexual attack it incredibly is basically the tip of the ice berg - If something, i don't have adequate to compete with the persons we already have serving the regularly occurring public. My skeletons are quite boring in assessment.

Answer 8

Seems you have a problem understanding laws and the concept of cause and effect. Guess you wasted you time in college. I would never vote for someone who accumulated a record, such as yours, in such a short time or had such a contemptuous view of public safety.

Don't waste your time pursuing your JD - you'll never be hired by a reputable law firm.

Answer 9

3 D.U.I.'s and you want to run for publoc office? Yeah you are going to need WAY more than that to run. Also you may want to think about throwing in a dead prostitute, and at least one drunk Uncle to seal the deal.

Answer 10

Why not give it a try? No politician's record is perfect, we all know that! If you admit to your mistakes up front, that may endear you to the voters, especially if you vow to help pass tougher punishments for drunk drivers once you're in office.