Rule 709: Criminal Action

(a)   Pending Criminal Action. A person who has a pending criminal action is not eligible to apply for admission, to take the bar examination, or to be admitted to the Kansas bar.

(b)   Diversion; Finding of Guilt.

(1)   Period of Ineligibility. A person who has participated in a diversion or has been found guilty of a crime is not eligible to apply for admission, to take the bar examination, or to be admitted to the Kansas bar until the person has satisfied one of the following.

(A)   Felony Crime. If the crime was classified as a felony, the person is not eligible until five years after the date the person completed any sentence, period of probation or parole, or term of diversion. 

(B)   Other Crime. If the crime was not classified as a felony, the person is not eligible until the person has completed any sentence, period of probation or parole, or term of diversion.

(2)   No Exceptions. The period of ineligibility applies to any person who has participated in a diversion or similar program or has been found guilty of a crime, including when any of the following circumstances exist: 

(A)   the person was a minor at the time of the crime;

(B)   a court sealed the record or expunged the conviction or adjudication; or

(C)   the case involved a plea agreement.

(3)   Required Documentation. When applying for admission, an applicant must provide all information requested about the crime, including documentation establishing the following:

(A)   the period of ineligibility has ended; and

(B)   the applicant has paid in full any restitution ordered and complied with all special conditions imposed.

[History: New rule adopted effective July 1, 2022.]