There is no question that law school is demanding. You may have known that all along, but maybe you didn’t realize just how demanding. You probably feel like you are always exhausted, a week behind on everything and on the verge of an ulcer. Nevertheless, you know it will be worth it if you complete your studies and pass the bar.
It may not have taken you long to learn some of the tricks other law students use to manage their time and complete their assignments. However, planning calendars, study groups and Red Bull only get you so far, and you may have found yourself in a situation where you needed just a little boost to get you through the week. It’s not a big deal, right? Everyone in law school does it.
Felony drug possession may not be what you think
In middle school, you may have known classmates who took Adderall or Ritalin for attention deficit disorder. Because these drugs are stimulants, containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, law students commonly use them to stay alert and increase their ability to study and concentrate for longer periods of time. However, Adderall and similar drugs are not study aids and can be extremely dangerous when misused.
Of additional concern for you as a law student is the fact that taking Adderall or any prescription drug without a prescription is against the law. In fact, if police find you with even a couple of pills in your pocket, they may charge you with felony drug possession. If this arrest leads to your conviction for that charge, you may have a difficult time obtaining admission to the California bar.
Taking defensive measures
Remember that your moral character will be under scrutiny before you can gain admittance to the bar. If you have already begun completing the questionnaire, you know how detailed an examination of your life the committee will do. A felony for possession of a stimulant during law school may be difficult to mitigate.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you must fight to defend your moral character to continue in your law career, you will certainly want to seek the most experienced guidance possible. You may have already received notice that the committee wants to meet you for an inquiry. If this is the case, you will certainly want every possible benefit, and a dedicated attorney may provide you with a decided advantage.