Any hope?

[Swift]

Jurisdiction

Florida

I've always wanted to go to law school but am worried my history might prevent me.

I realize how cliche it sounds but I have no reason to lie in an anonymous forum. I was driving a family member's car and was arrested for pills and gun in the vehicle. I was placed on diversion, charges were dismissed upon completion and I had the incident expunged. I'm certain I would end up having to report and explain this but would it prevent me from becoming a lawyer?

Thank you very much for your help, I sincerely appreciate it.

edit: I'm not sure if it matters or not but this happened about six years ago. I've had no problems (other than a speeding ticket or two) since.

 

[army judge]

I've always wanted to go to law school but am worried my history might prevent me.

I realize how cliche it sounds but I have no reason to lie in an anonymous forum. I was driving a family member's car and was arrested for pills and gun in the vehicle. I was placed on diversion, charges were dismissed upon completion and I had the incident expunged. I'm certain I would end up having to report and explain this but would it prevent me from becoming a lawyer?

Thank you very much for your help, I sincerely appreciate it.

edit: I'm not sure if it matters or not but this happened about six years ago. I've had no problems (other than a speeding ticket or two) since.

Getting admitted to some law schools won't be your problem.
Getting bar admission is often the problem.
The good news, you can use a law degree in many more ways than practicing law.
Some people use it to teach at the high school, or the college level.
Others use it in the business world like an MBA.
Others use it to be politicians or serve as a politicians sidekick, or gopher.
Look at Judge Mathis, he speaks openly about how he overcame his past to get a law degree and become a judge.
So, seek admission, get the degree, worry about the other stuff way down the road.

 

[Swift]

Thank you, Army Judge, for taking the time to answer. If I may ask one more question...

Do you think I have any realistic chance of being admitted by the bar?

 

[army judge]

Thank you, Army Judge, for taking the time to answer. If I may ask one more question...

Do you think I have any realistic chance of being admitted by the bar?

Most states are fair, and evaluate each candidate for bar admission on his or her own merits.
Bar admission isn't precluded because of the type of crime in which you were involved.
Bar admission is far away, even if you were the most pure person on earth.
You must first complete college and receive your BA, BS, or BBA degree.
You must first gain admission to law school.
You must then complete three years of law school.
After all of that, thats when you worry about bar admission, mate.

 

[Swift]

Thank you very much

 

[army judge]

Thank you very much

No problem, but I forgot the most important statistic.

According to those who keep track, 50% of 1st year (1L is what you'll be called) law students drop out of law school after the first year.

There are many reasons for dropping out, and some do eventually reenroll.

Many drop out because they hailed to obtain a 2.0 (70% to 75%) GPA.
Some drop out for family reasons: birth, death, illness, finances, divorce, criminal law issues, drug abuse issues, etc...
The road to the JD is long, arduous, and full of obstacles.