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Will my DUI (1st offense, otherwise clear record) affect law school admission and/or the moral character part of the bar exam?
Anonymous8 views5 answers
I received a DUI in November 2012. It was my first offense, and I had an otherwise clean record (not so much as a speeding ticket). I made a terrible, stupid mistake, and more than willing to own up to it in regards to applications and any questions admissions may have. I completed my year long probation, attended all my classes, etc., and have not been in trouble since. I'm considering attending law school, but I'm concerned my DUI will affect not only admission, but the moral character part of the bar exam.
I just don't want to go through the process of applying, or even attending law school, if only to be told no at the end. So any insight would be wonderful, so I know what's ahead of me. Thank you!
It is important to fully disclose and be honest about your prior convictions on law school applications and bar applications. It is highly likely to have NO effect whatsoever. Numerous people with prior convictions become professionals later in life, including doctors and lawyers, as they are rightly not punished for indiscretions earlier in life. Numerous lawyers had DUIs prior to law school. A second DUI during law school will subject you to extra scrutiny, so be careful.
It will be part of the moral character evaluation, buy not fatal to bar admission. If you get into law school and want to enjoy crippling debt, go ahead.
You could still get into law school and still get a law license, and there are things you can do along the way to improve your chances. You might even want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in bar admission, but a single DUI is probably not going to keep you from being a lawyer.
There are other reasons you might not want to go to law school, like economics, but that's another matter altogether.
This would not be a bar to law school admission, but in recent years, it has started slowing the character fitness portion of bar application. A recent conviction involving drugs or alcohol should be expected to cause a requirement of additional counseling programs. This is a recent change in the Virginia bar, but I do not know about other states. Of course, you should retain the best available local counsel to fight the DUI and hope to keep it off your record.
Dishonesty and failing to disclose these matters will create issues. I know of several people who lied on their Bar Exam application and had to wait 1-2 years before taking the Bar Exam. The Board may require you to take classes or give you a probationary license - but you should be okay for admission as long as you don't get any more arrests.
