How much does it cost to plan out a course to get a real estate license with an expunged felony?

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My probation will be over in March of next year from Possession with intent to sell; HS11351. It's been suggested that I talk to a lawyer to plan out how I can get my license. I already took 2 of the 3 required classes with 'A's. I never sold drugs but I had a large amount and got caught. I am bipolar and been seeing Psychiatrist and Social Worker for treatment for the past 2 1/2 years. I've been clean for that time and my therepist will vouch for that. I know my case will be expunged, when my probation is over in March. But I also have a misdemeanor dui in 2006. What else can I do to make sure I get my r.e. application approved? Would talking to an admin attorney improve my odds? If so, how much would it cost me to improve my odds to near 100%? Any estimate?

3 Attorney Answers

Best Answer
Your objective presents a real challenge. You are correct to understand that what you require at this point is a skilled assessment of your prospects for license and a detailed blueprint of the path toward licensure. You are specifically in need of good information about realistic time frames for your ambitions.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an in-depth consultation with a skilled and experienced licensing attorney. Be prepared to provide your documents and records to the attorney in advance of the consultation so that the lawyer can be specific and concrete in the advice when you meet in person. A good lawyer can identify the potential problems that can affect BRE's decision, prescribe concrete methods of remediating the weaknesses in your licensability, and educate you about some key issues that can be traps for the inexperienced. The kind of consultation you need is not a free "get him into the tent" howdy-do. It is a professional analysis of a fixed set of facts, supported by legal research and a comparability analysis for BRE licensing decisions over the past several years, and specific legal and procedural instructions for getting where you want to go.
Consultation costs vary with the experience and skill of the attorney and the scope and quality of the analysis and advice. But in all events, the cost of a skilled consultation are much less than the costs of going forward without sound information and advice. In all legal matters, preventing errors is always much much less expensive than trying to fix them -- and usually more effective, too.
Here's some free info that you should plan to discuss in further detail when you engage in a professional consultation:
1. There ain't no such thing as 100% when it comes to applying to a State licensing agency.
2. None of the bi-polar, psychiatric/therapy matter that you reference here will make any meaningful difference to the outcome of this matter.
3. There is no such thing as "expungement" in CA. There is instead a post-conviction dismissal under P C § 1203.4 and, if you can get one of those, that's well and good. But it is not determinative in matters of State licensing. More specifically, not getting a 1203.4 dismissal can hurt you with State licensing agencies much more than getting one can help you.
Good luck to you.
Best Answer
I suggest consulting California Bureau of Real Estate Form Re 222 (Applicant Eligibility Information).
If you were convicted for the felony less than 2 years ago, it is unlikely that they will approve your application. Both of your criminal convictions involve elements of moral turpitude. That being said, you are on the right track for rehabilitation. To improve your chances try to get as many positive character references as possible, including from your probation officer and those who have known you for a long time and are close to you. It also could not hurt to do some volunteering. Lastly, you may want to emphasize that your prior convictions are due to personal failings and not related to any intent to harm anyone.
Best Answer
Happy to hear you are in process of rehabilitation. Review Ca real estate regulation regarding eligibility to obtain license. There are restrictions related to felony convictions. An attorney can assist you in the process. Consult with a competent attorney for a precise estimate of costs.

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