Can I be a lawyer without criminal punishment?

Legal analysis: Yes, because exemption from punishment is not prohibited from issuing lawyer's practice certificate, you can be a lawyer.

Legal basis: Article 7 of the Lawyers Law of People's Republic of China (PRC), if the applicant is under any of the following circumstances, the lawyer's practice certificate shall not be issued:

(1) Having no or limited capacity for civil conduct;

(2) Having been subjected to criminal punishment, except for negligent crimes;

(3) Being expelled from public office or having his lawyer's practice certificate revoked.