VIC Two Public Transport Fines Hindrance to Becoming a Lawyer?

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Sapphire

Active Member
11 February 2015
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0
31
Victoria, Australia
I am currently a second year law student. It is my goal to become a lawyer. In my life thus far I have received two infringement notices regarding the public transport system. I paid these fines immediately, no fuss made. On both these occasions it was my own stupid mistake for 1) not having my concession card; and 2) forgetting to touch on. God, I'm such an idiot.

I'm so disappointed in myself. I wish I wasn't so careless at those times. Will I ever make it as a lawyer now? Has my dream been shattered?
 

Ivy

Well-Known Member
10 February 2015
498
87
789
Hi Sapphire,

No your dream hasn't been shattered. The only time that being admitted as a lawyer would be put at risk is if you commit a crime. Even then, when you apply to be admitted, you aren't definitively excluded, it depends on the seriousness of the crime and other factors and mitigating circumstances.

Public transport infringement notices definitely won't stop you becoming a lawyer!
 
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Sapphire

Active Member
11 February 2015
8
0
31
Victoria, Australia
Hi Sapphire,

No your dream hasn't been shattered. The only time that being admitted as a lawyer would be put at risk is if you commit a crime. Even then, when you apply to be admitted, you aren't definitively excluded, it depends on the seriousness of the crime and other factors and mitigating circumstances.

Public transport infringement notices definitely won't stop you becoming a lawyer!

Ah, thank you so much! I feel a lot more hopeful now. I thought that was the case. Just wanted to make sure. Thanks again :)
 

John R

Well-Known Member
14 April 2014
689
174
2,394
Sydney
Hi @Sapphire,
I agree with @Ivy. The Council of Legal Education has information on the "suitability" requirements to be admitted as an Australian lawyer in Victoria at: Admission Requirements - Council of Legal Education

In addition to having a clean (or at worst, "explainable") criminal record, law students should also be aware of the academic conduct (that is, no plagiarism) requirement.

All the best and look forward to seeing you around in the LawAnswers.com.au community!
 
S

Sophea

Guest
Hi Saphhire,

I was able to become a lawyer after receiving a public transport infringement fine. I of course declared it all on my admission documentation. If that's all you have to confess don't worry, you'll be fine.
 
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Sapphire

Active Member
11 February 2015
8
0
31
Victoria, Australia
Hi Saphhire,

I was able to become a lawyer after receiving a public transport infringement fine. I of course declared it all on my admission documentation. If that's all you have to confess don't worry, you'll be fine.

Hi Sophea,

That's great to know. Very reassuring! Yeah, I guess it comes down to whether you are a fit and proper person, and if you admit it all then I think it shows the court that you are. Thanks for your reply.
 

Anubis

Well-Known Member
6 May 2015
48
3
124
There is a reasonably exhaustive list of offences that must be disclosed.

Check with the Law Society
 

Tim W

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
28 April 2014
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820
2,894
Sydney
It's the disclosing that is the key bit.

Disclosing those fines is an act of integrity and ethics (the foundation of the profession).
Whereas concealing them is the opposite.
 
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John R

Well-Known Member
14 April 2014
689
174
2,394
Sydney