Can you become a lawyer with previous drug problems?

Question by E_K_0: Can you become a lawyer with previous drug problems?
My boyfriend is considering becoming a lawyer and has had a previous drug addiction. He was arrested once on misdemeanor drug charges which was later expunged. He has also been to the hospital on a few occasions when he was cleaning up to detox and be put on meds in order to combat withdrawl. He is sober now and wants to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney. Will the expungement and the documented hospital trips related to drug use disqualify him from taking the bar exam? Our home state is NJ, but he would be willing to relocate if any states have bar exams that would allow him to practice. It really is unfortunate that people who battle addiction and come out sober and living great live as great people can be haunted the rest of their lives for one problem in their entire lives. Other than the drug problem he hasn’t so much as had a speeding ticket, Is his dream of being a lawyer completely negated now? Thanks so much for any helpful information.

Best answer:

Answer by jason
I don’t see why not. You should be very supportive & assist any way you can as long as he is on the up n up about it.

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