Life And Style: Meet Ex-Felon Convicted Of Carjacking Who Has Graduated From Yale And Is Now A Lawyer
Reginald Dwayne Betts was only 16-years-old when he was convicted of carjacking. Despite spending over eight years in prison, he has come out more focused, turned his life around and is a lawyer having graduated from Yale Law School. He said at the time of his oathtaking ceremony as a lawyer, “The last time my mom saw me in court, I was sentenced to nine years in prison.”
However, before Betts was able to achieve this, wasn’t easy. When he was just 16,he was arrested for a firearm charge, attempted robbery, and carjacking with four other people at a mall in Virginia. He then went on from prison to prison serving his sentence until he was released after eight years.
He has been quizzed on the exact reason that made him get involved in crime. However, he hasn’t been able to figurevit out. He admitted regrets over his past life but is making amends by helping the youth to do better in life.
Betts took up a job at a paint store while continuing his studies and attended Prince George’s Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, and received a Master of Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College. After that, Betts became joined the short list of ex-felons who got admitted and graduated from Yale Law School. Six months after passing the Connecticut bar exam, he was told that his application to practice law has been flagged pending investigation due to his previous felony convictions.
Even though it is not forbidden in the state of Connecticut for felons to become attorneys, they must still have to prove their “good moral character and/or fitness to practice law” through evidence. The state panel reviewed Betts’ moral character and he finally received a letter of his acceptance to the bar. He said:
“I’m happy that they made that decision.”
“I’m just grateful for the huge amount of support people gave me.”
Betts, who is also an award-winning author and poet, hopes his story serves as an inspiration to many that it’s never too late to turn your life around. Former Connecticut Judge Anne Dranginis, chairwoman of the Bar Examining Committee, said of Betts:
“I think that his story is a remarkable story.”
“Mr. Betts demonstrated his commitment to others who may have lost their way. He has a great deal to offer, in addition to what he has already done.”
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