Can You Become a Lawyer if You Have a Criminal Record?

In order to become a lawyer, an individual must demonstrate good moral character. Every state will subject a candidate to a moral character examination, which includes information regarding education, addresses, and criminal charges. It is possible to become a lawyer with a criminal record, but you must disclose the crime and make your case to the bar association in your state or province.
Your ability to become a lawyer depends heavily on the severity of the crime you've committed. For instance, a record for fraud will likely bar you from a career in finance law, but you could still plan to pursue a career in criminal law if you demonstrate moral fitness and appropriate rehabilitation. A felony conviction only bars you from practicing law in three states: Kansas, Mississippi, and Texas. There is no absolute ban on convicted felons in other jurisdictions, but expunction significantly reduces certain hardships faced by felons when pursuing a career in law. Timing also plays a role in lawyer eligibility. If you committed the crime before attending law school, it may be easier to convince your state that you have been properly rehabilitated. Summed up, you can become a lawyer as long as you've convinced your state that you are morally fit for the job. However, it is often difficult for individuals with a criminal record to demonstrate good moral character compared to individuals without a criminal record.

Technically, you do not have to get your record expunged to become a lawyer, but the moral character examination would run a whole lot smoother without a criminal record. You are legally obligated to disclose all convictions, and dishonesty will certainly cause you to fail the examination. If you have a criminal record, expunction would be the fastest and easiest way for you to pursue a career in law. If your criminal charges are expunged, you can act as if the crime never happened, and you can erase the anxiety of having to explain yourself to the bar of your state.

For information on easy and affordable online expunctions and record sealing, contact Easy Expunctions at (866) 899-0266 or visit our website at easyexpunctions.com.