Can my brother still become a future law student?

[Curious1990]

It has always been my brother's goal to become a future lawyer. However, recently he got into a car accident on his 18th birthday where he was driving under the influence. He was convicted with driving under the influence with a BAC level twice above the legal level of 21 year olds (0.08). He is devistated and feels that his dreams of becoming a lawyer are over due to the conviction. As a good older brother should do,  I told him not to give up because there is many years ahead of him before applying to law school. But I am also feeling some doubt because now he no longer has a 'clean' record, are his dreams really over? Who can I contact to find out if this has caused detriment to his goal?

[IrrX]

Not necessarily over. Contact the bar association where he wants to practice to find out for certain before dropping a ton of money on a JD that won't do anything for him.

[Trivium]

I got an OWI when I was 19 and a possession of alcohol under the legal age later that year. I just graduated from U of Iowa law in May and will hear whether I passed the bar in a week. There was never any character and fitness inquiry whatsoever into my OWI.

I should note that it kept me from getting into a few law schools that I probably would have otherwise, but the point is that it is far from a death sentence.

[justanothersucker]

Heck if the state he's in won't take him, there are 49 more plus guam, PR,DC,etc.

If a guy has a choice between staying joe smoe at home or being  a lawyer a few steps away. Why not?

My point being, if local says no, just keep looking. Heck, even being a Canadian lawyer would be better than not being one at all.

[InterAlia1961]

I doubt that his run-in with the law will hinder his career. He'll have to file a moral character form with the state, telling them what happened. Many people have misdemeanors, bankruptcies, and other black marks, yet are allowed to practice. The Bar gives you a chance to explain what happened and plead your case. Definitely not a death sentence for his dream of being an attorney.