Being accused of any crime is almost always frightening and overwhelming. Being accused of a sex crime can be even more intimidating. Memphis residents who have been convicted of a sex offense know how hard it is to regain their professional life. A lifetime of being listed on the sex offender registry can make finding a good job almost impossible, even for highly qualified applicants.
A man from neighboring Kentucky is currently petitioning the state Supreme Court for the opportunity to take the bar examination. However, due to his sex offender status they have blocked his attempts. He is anticipated to file a reconsideration request. In 2007 he was charged with possession of child pornography and was sentenced to five years in prison; that sentence was suspended. He was required to register as a sex offender for two decades.
In 2008 he entered law school at the University of Kentucky. In 2011, when he finished law school, he was in the top third of his graduating class. Since graduating in 2011 he has held a position at a Lexington law firm, but in a non-lawyer capacity.
Nationally, cases of felons requesting re-admission to the bar are common but there are very few sex offenders who have petitioned for entry. Due to the highly stigmatized feelings people have about sex offenders it is very hard for them to get jobs while on the sex offender registry. The damage to reputation they encounter is enormous.
For those who are facing sex offense allegations, consulting with an attorney skilled in criminal law can help to effectively work to reach a resolution in their favor. Protecting one’s personal and professional reputation is critical in maintaining a secure future.
Source: Star Tribune, “In rare case, registered sex offender seeks right to take bar exam, practice law in Kentucky,” Brett Barrouquere, Jan. 5, 2014
