At the age of 14 i was caught shoplifing...i only had to pay a fine....can i still become a lawyer?

magicbird

Yes, and if you learned from your experience, then it might actually work to your advantage. Unlike most lawyers, you actually went through a legal experience seeing it from 'the other side'--as a wrongdoer who got caught and had to go through The System.
You might be able to convince 'potential shoplifting children' that it's not worth what you went through and help deter some kids from taking the wrong path--or help straighten out those kids who DID take the wrong path.
If your heart is in the right place, if you believe in making the world a better place, go for it.

Sonny D

Shoplifting is a misdemeanor, i wouldn't worry about it being on your record unless it's a felony or DUI. You'll be okay.

â™¥Bond Girlâ™¥

Sure, it's actually a requirement to be a liar.

Westward Wind

Your juvenile records won't follow your adult career. Even if they did, it has no bearing on your law license -- although you may have to prove your worthiness to the state Bar before they allow you to practice (depending on what state you're in). They don't call it the Department of Corrections for nothing -- that's where a good deal of criminals turn themselves around by diving into books and learning. Who better to defend a criminal than someone who knows the ropes first hand.... (not throwing you in with that lot, just pointing out that if the 'real' criminals out there who have done serious time can become lawyers...you definitely can).

By the way -- don't pay attention to these self-righteous bozos who want to play judge and jury with you now here on Yahoo Answers... What's in the past is in the past. Good luck on your new course.....

raichasays

Yes. It depends on the state, but in most you will not have to disclose this on an application. In others, you must disclose it but if you completed your sentence/probation, etc., and explain your remorse for being a childhood knucklehead, you may still become a lawyer.

evilattorney

Probably, most state ethics boards are fairly understanding about stuff that happens when you're a kid. However, if there is a question on your application about convictions, you must answer it truthfully. Lying about this or omitting it will get you disbarred when you get found out (and you'll be looking over your shoulder for your entire career). If you are really curious, contact your state bar examiners and find out BEFORE you spend money on law school - it's expensive.

BILLY THE GOOT

ya but u better do well on your lsat

vernon s

Why not. You've learnt a very basic lesson and you will be more careful in the future. No law can stop you from achieving your goal. So study hard and become a good lawyer.

Tim

yes of course you could as long as you have made up for your past mistake n know that it was only a mistake n move on with your life jus be honest if the ppl ask u bout it thats all im sure that they wont care

DaysofSweetLight

That liar joke was pretty good........
Don't worry silly girl. At 14 you made a mistake, learn from it and also remember what it felt like so you can have some empathy no matter what side of the law you choose to practice. As long as you have fulfilled your obligations to the court you may petition at any time to have the charge expunged from your records, as long as you stay out of trouble or have not continued to be a bad little girl. At the age of 18 the records will be sealed anyways due to the fact that you were a juvenile. If you wish, you may request a meeting with the judge who posted sentence upon you and explain to him you desire to be a lawyer. Be respectful, if possible show proof of good grades, communitty service and letters of reference concerning your character. He has the ability to completely remove the charge from your record but you must not continue to get in trouble. BUT..... In the big picture, there are plenty of lawyers who have records for snorting piles of blow and continue to practice because the bar chooses not to act upon it. You will be fine, be 14, be a girl, be good and good luck.

Poppy

Yes you can, just don't do that again! When you are young like this, your court file will be closed to the public. Now, go to law school so you can defend a 14 year for shoplifting!!!

yomamma5546

yeah, once you become an adult all your juvenil files get closed

Talaupa

Of course, just as long as you haven't been convicted of a felony.

bamboo

Yes. You can have your juvenile rap sheet sealed. However, that means nothing to the legal system. Being a thief and getting caught at it is sorta an onus. BUT, (qualification), thievery is a wonderful qualification for a law degree. Don't steal anymore. Be diligent in your academics. A good example" Martha Stewart. She acted upon the insider trading information provided by Icahn. She went to prison. The little sissy who was the middle man in this insider trading scandal, and whom Martha, so rumored, had a crush on, just glided through the mess. Icahn was required to pay a hefty fine, and poor Martha was made an example of. Why am I not surprised. So, this is how the system works.

sunshinebumblebee

i wont hire you to be my lawyer

Sgt. Pepper

Of course. You could commit any crime and become a lawyer. Some inmates have gotten their law degrees from prison, isn't our system great.

doktrgroove

Yes, absolutely. Everyone has a chance at redemption. Make your second chance count.

ErHead

I think YOU need to learn to obey the law before you start trying to help enforce others to....... ~â™¥~

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