Ann Mary,
I might get slaughtered for saying this but here goes. I am a Latina who just graduated from law school in the top 12% of my class. This is my advice. If you are the sole breadwinner for your son, do NOT go to law school unless you get a full scholarship. Otherwise you could be putting your financial situation for your family at risk. I graduated from undergrad with honors, and graduated from a strong regional school (tier I). However, given the bad job market, I am unemployed and so is everyone else I know who graduated from my school. Students that worked for federal judges and were editor of law review are still looking for jobs. With your son I don't know if that's a risk you want to take right now, at least until the legal market improves if ever. I know this seems harsh but I am just trying to give some warning from the other side, I wish I had gotten this advice. Another option is to pay your way through while going to school part-time.
Now for getting in, you may have problems with this. You may have to disclose the misdemeanor on your law school applications, which may be a barrier. Also with your low GPA, it seems like it will be hard for you to get into anything but a lower ranked school even if you get high LSAT scores. And as I said before, people from strong schools are unemployed in this market. Also be aware that if you do get in school, as soon as you get in, you should talk to someone at your state bar to see if you will have any problems with their moral character requirements because of your misdemeanor. I know someone who got into my school in CA, passed the bar, and then was denied admission to the bar because of their convictions. Let me know what you think...and good luck regardless of what you decide to do!
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