How many years back does the background check go to pass the bar and practice law?

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I am considering law school, but got a felony when I was 18 years old (12 years ago) and am not sure if that would preclude my acceptance to the bar. I was told that no background check goes back further than 10 years, but I’m concerned that the fingerprint check for the moral and character fitness section of the bar may be more extensive. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

2 Comments

Posted in People Background check by admin: May 11, 2010

2 Responses to “How many years back does the background check go to pass the bar and practice law?”

  1. Artemis Gwen Says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 9:33 am

    Actually, your questionnaire will probably specifically ask "have you ever been convicted of a felony?" The questionnaire I completed asked me to describe every contact I’d ever had with the police (over a violation) and every ticket I’d ever received. And your answer had better be yes because if you get caught lying you would be disbarred.

    Your best bet would be to contact the bar associations of the different states you think you might be interested in practicing. Explain the situation and ask them if a felony conviction when you were 18 would prevent you from becoming a member of the bar.

  2. G.B. Says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 9:33 am

    You should expect that this will be discovered. Just be honest when you apply to law school. If you get in, great. If not, oh well. The reason why I say this is there was a kid in my law school class who lied on his application. It was discovered and he was kicked out of school during our second year (thus he had the debt for law school and no law license to help repay the school debt).

    When my background check was done, the bar only sent out letters and, I am guessing, they pulled my criminal record. It seemed really hoky to me.

    Here is another answer to this exact question: http://www.lawfiles.net/question.php?QuestionId=1995
    and
    http://www.lawfiles.net/reply.php?ReplyId=664

    Gary

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