Jennifer Marie Patterson graduated from the Univ. of Richmond School of Law last month. She also pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute over a pound of methamphetamine, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Patterson, 33, of Chester, Virginia, admitted to U.S. Magistrate M. Hannah Lauck that Patterson had distributed methamphetamine with a business partner from 2007 to 2009.
The DEA alleged in 2010 that Patterson and a male partner were "longtime methamphetamine and cocaine traffickers," as corroborated by four "cooperating sources," reports the Times-Dispatch.
And court filings allege Patterson used as well as sold, reports WTVR-TV.
The U.S. Attorney's office in Richmond announced the guilty plea is part of Operation Endgame, "a major Organized Crime Drug Task Force investigation by the DEA and Richmond Police Department into the trafficking of methamphetamine," reports WRIC-TV.
Patterson is now enrolled in the Lawyers Helping Lawyers drug addiction program and plans to take the Virginia bar exam, reports the ABA Journal.
Generally, a conviction for the commission of a felony is not, per se, sufficient to demonstrate a lack of good moral character. The applicant, however, will need to prove complete rehabilitation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck had encouraging words for Patterson on Thursday, the Times-Dispatch says. "Good luck on the bar," the judge said, reports the ABA Journal.
Related Resources:
- Jailhouse Lawyer (FindLaw)
- Former LSD Dealer Sues College for Killing His Law Career (Gothamst.com)
- Virginia State Bar Character and Fitness Requirements (Virginia State Bar)
- Criminal Matters Involving Large-Scale Methamphetamine Distribution Ring & Conviction for Violating FICA (FindLaw's 6th Circuit News and Information)