How to Become an Attorney with a Felony Conviction

Each state's board of bar examiners establishes its own rules regarding the admission of candidates with felony convictions. As of 2009, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and the Northern Mariana Islands all have explicit regulations barring certain convicted felons from practicing law. All other U.S. states and territories allow persons with felonies bar admission provided that they can show proof of character and integrity.

Instructions

1. Apply for a pardon. If you have received an official pardon for your felony conviction, you may be admitted to the bar. You will need to show the board of bar examiners written proof of your pardon.

2. Show that you currently have a good moral character. If you can prove to the board of bar examiners that you currently have a clean criminal record and can present evidence showing you are of good character, you may be allowed to practice law.

3. Prove that you have been rehabilitated. If you have gone through counseling, drug treatment or other rehabilitation programs after your felony conviction and can show that the issues leading up to your felony conviction have been remedied, your state may choose to admit you to the bar.

4. Provide written proof that you have successfully completed probation after your felony conviction. If you are allowed to present witnesses to back up your case, you may wish to ask your probation officer to testify for you.

References

• Bar Admission Requirements