2007-07-01 06:01:00 · 4 answers · asked by wllmwstfll 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, but it could stop a law firm from hiring you.
2007-07-01 06:08:37 · answer #1 · answered by Jeni 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Becoming a Lawyer is a lot more than passing the exam, it includes an investigation into your character and fitness. I realize that's hard for some people to believe given the news articles about lawyers, but it is true that the investigation is performed. What's questionable is whether or not the individuals ruling make the right calls every time.
All I can tell you is that in some (perhaps "many", perhaps "few") states, seeing a charge of ANY kind of violence on your record is going to require you answer a LOT of questions. Also, be prepared for the committee to say not one word about it until AFTER you've passed the exam. After all, if you don't pass, what's the point in them making the decision? It's unlikely that you will be admitted with your classmates, just be ready for that, both emotionally and financially. It could take as much as a year to clear the committee.
I recommend you get prepared for that, and do NOT assume that any "rules of law" you've learned apply to the process. You need full command of the facts, and be prepared not to be believed. You need character witnesses to bolster your claim, whether it was that the charge was unfounded, or that you've changed, and if one of them happens to be a Pope, that would be good.
The charge itself isn't going to stop you. It may well be the basis the committee uses, but what will stop you will be their gut feeling about you.
You'd better take this very VERY seriously, and be prepared to be grilled like you've never been grilled before.
In one word: "Humility".
2007-07-01 06:22:13 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can be arrested at any time for any thing. All it takes is an officer who thinks there MIGHT be probably cause.
A charge is just a charge, and cannot be held against you legally. Only felony or misdemeanor CONVICTIONS can be used against you. If you are found not guilty, the charges are dropped, or you postpone arrainment to complete diversion and the case is closed for diversion, then you were never convicted of anything.
How the bar association looks at the behavior might be different, but I would not want to be the person that denied someone anything based on a non-conviction.
PS. As far as employment goes, employment background checks are covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It is illegal to deny someone employment based on non-conviction. But, anyone who does not want to hire a particular person can always find another reason and who would ever know the real reason employment was denied? Maybe the other person scored 10 points more on their bar exam? Or graduated 1 or 2 places higher in their class?
2007-07-01 06:14:35 · answer #3 · answered by JD_in_FL 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
A domestic violence charge likely would not keep one from becoming a lawyer but a guilty finding probably would. Please check with your state's bar association for accurate information.
Good luck.
2007-07-01 06:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by kearneyconsulting 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋