Back in the early 1980s, Neal Wiesner orchestrated an llegal scheme to distribute Quaaludes. And when his endeavor came to an abrupt end, Neal was convicted not only for the narcotics scam, but also for the attempted murder and false imprisonment of his then girlfriend, and ended up spending five years in jail.
About four years after his release, Neal graduated from college and law school and, in 1994, passed the New York State bar exam. When he applied for admission to the Bar, his application was rejected because of his criminal past. Some fourteen years, and ten attempts later, the Committee on Character and Fitness for the First Judicial Department finally recommended that Neal be admitted.
On its review of the case, the Appellate Division, First Department, agreed that Neal's rehabilitation warranted allowing him to practice law in the State of New York. The court was particularly persuaded by the fact that Neal had secured admission in several other jurisdictions, where he had practiced law for several years without incident. The Court was also impressed with the people--many of whom were prominent attorneys with exceptional reputations--who praised Neal's personal and professional accomplishments since his release from prison.
Tenth time's a charm.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of Wiesner