Update on Berkeley Law Students Accused of Killing Rare Bird

The case involving the alleged killing of a rare  bird by two U.C. Berkeley Law students at the Las Vegas Flamingo  has made national and even international news during the course of the last week.    Ironically, one of the alleged perpetrators, Justin Teixeira, graduated from UCLA with a degree in environmental studies.  It was also reported that Mr. Teixeira conducted an internship in the Environmental Division of the Department of Justice (the U.S. Department tasked with protecting wildlife).  A follow-up report by Above the Law,  states that there has been a largely mixed reaction from  the accuseds' fellow law students at U.C. Berkeley School of Law (the full article is available here).  Turning to online blogs such as the U.C. Berkeley School of Law related blog Nuts and Boalts, some students have expressed outrage at the alleged actions of the two students, while others have offered support.  No matter what, one thing that people seem to agree on is that both mens' legal careers have been placed in jeopardy.  

Even after attending a well regarded law school such as U.C. Berkeley, which was ranked at the seventh in the nation on the U.S. News and World Report Law School Rankings, finding gainful employment is extremely difficult for recent law grads.  Any blemish on the record of an applicant can almost guarantee being passed over for employment.  In the buyers market that presently exists for most legal employers, a criminal conviction (especially one that made national news) can be a nonstarter.  Further, both of the accused may have trouble passing most state bar associations character and fitness requirements prior to taking the bar exam.  In a nutshell, even if both men finish their law degrees, neither may ever become licensed to practice law.  Of course, both men are considered innocent until proven guilty and we wish them the best of luck as this matter proceeds through the Nevada justice system.  

This case serves as an example that criminal charges (especially convictions) can lead to difficulties beyond the courtroom.  Criminal charges can destroy your reputation and criminal convictions can lead to problems such as attaining student loans, serving in the military, from owning a firearm or from acquiring gainful employment.  Hiring competent defense attorneys can give people facing criminal charges their best chance at avoiding a conviction.  The attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc are ready to defend people facing criminal charges in Nevada.  Our attorneys are licensed to practice before all Nevada state and federal courts.  We serve clients from all socioeconomic levels of our community and we will fight the charges with everything in our power to make sure your rights are protected.  Our rates are reasonable and we are willing to negotiate a payment plan if necessary.  If you are facing criminal charges, contact one of the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc as soon as possible for  a  consultation.  You may contact the firm at info@connorpllc.com, (702) 430-4614, (702) 749-5992 or visit www.connorpllc.com. You may also visit the firm's page on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ConnorConnorPllc.