Hey everyone,

I'm a rising 2L in CA. I was a huge moron and got arrested for shoplifting at the beginning of my 1L year ($60 of stuff). I very nearly dropped out at that point because I figured I wouldn't be able to pass the bar. Then I talked to the Dean of Students, and she encouraged me to stay in and work on demonstrating rehabilitation. I looked at the list of criteria on the CA website, and the other state I might like to practice in. The arrest is the only thing on my record, it will likely be dismissed in Nov after a year probation and 8 days of community labor, so I was feeling better about graduation

However, I met a young woman who's been out of Law school of 2 years and is still working as a clerk. She hasn't been able to pass the CA character and fitness part of the Bar because of a DUI she got her 2L year.

So now I'm terrified that I'm about to sink 2 more years and another 60,000 (I have a decent tuition scholarship, so books, fees, and living expenses are costing me about 30 grand a year) and not be able to practice when I'm done. I feel like shoplifting is way worse than a DUI since it's a crime of moral turpitude.

If anyone has any similar experiences, or advice, I'd really appreciate it. I plan to call the Bar association to see if I can talk to anyone about what I could do to help my application.

Thanks!