Corona State Bar Defense Attorney

Expert Corona State Bar Defense Lawyer

If you are a lawyer, you have put years of your time, monumental effort, and a significant financial investment into your education and licensure. Being disbarred or suspended can turn your life upside down, leaving you searching for a new career and unsure of the future. If you are a lawyer in the Corona area and your legal license is at risk, you could benefit from the help of a Corona state bar defense lawyer.

What Does It Mean to Be Disbarred or Suspended?

Attorneys must hold themselves to high professional and ethical standards, and breaching these standards can result in disciplinary action from the State Bar of California. In the event of serious misconduct, an attorney’s legal license can be suspended. Suspension means that the lawyer in question cannot practice law for a prescribed amount of time, and they may be required to meet certain conditions before reinstatement.

The most serious form of discipline is disbarment. When a lawyer is disbarred, they permanently lose the right to practice law in the state where the disbarment occurs. They are no longer legally allowed to advertise themselves as a lawyer or work with people as clients. This decision is very difficult to reverse and can result in long-term reputational damage, even across state lines.

What Actions Can Result in Disbarment in California?

Lawyers are expected to be honest, upstanding, and ethical. They should avoid all illegal activity and deal fairly with clients and colleagues. The following are some examples of ethics violations that can result in license suspension or disbarment in California: 

  • Fraud
  • Misappropriation of funds
  • Embezzlement
  • Lying in court
  • Forging records

How Do State Bar Investigations Go in California?

The process for State Bar investigations is fairly simple and straightforward.  Understanding the formal misconduct claims process is crucial for any attorney facing an inquiry. The steps are as follows:

  1. The State Bar receives the complaint.
  2. Investigators with the State Bar look into the legitimacy of the complaint.
  3. If the complaint is found to be legitimate, the investigators take the case to a judge.
  4. If the judge rules that the case is actionable, the State Bar representatives approach the lawyer in question and try to settle the matter without a hearing if possible.
  5. If the issue is not resolved on the previous step, there is a hearing before the State Bar Court. The court hands down a disciplinary recommendation.
  6. The disciplinary action is reviewed by the California Supreme Court before it is implemented.

What to Do if You Face a State Bar Investigation

If you are notified of a State Bar investigation or complaint against you, it is important to stay calm and take the steps necessary to protect yourself. When you receive a notice of investigation, these are the things you should do: 

  • Seek legal counsel. You can be represented by an attorney at every stage of a State Bar investigation, and it is wise to seek legal counsel immediately.
  • Respond to the notice. You have the right to dispute and challenge any charges against you. According to the Rules of Procedure of the State Bar of California, you have 20 days from the date the charges are filed to respond to them in writing.
  • Gather documentation. It is a good idea to gather any and all documentation you may have concerning the situation in question. This can help your attorney execute your defense.

Why You Should Hire a State Bar Defense Lawyer

You should not take any chances with your livelihood and your future. If your legal license is at risk, you need to hire a State Bar defense lawyer to help you protect it. Your attorney can work with you through every step of the investigation process to make sure all of the facts are presented and you are treated fairly.

Trusted Corona State Bar Defense Attorney

FAQs

What Types of Complaints or Allegations Can Trigger a State Bar Investigation Against an Attorney in California?

A wide range of complaints and allegations can trigger a State Bar investigation against a California attorney. Generally, any major misconduct or illegal activity can lead to an inquest. It’s important to remember that bar complaints often stem from malpractice claims, which themselves frequently originate from specific, common administrative or procedural errors. Things like fraud, theft, or embezzlement are major issues. Also serious are actions like lying in court, misleading the opposing attorneys, or asking a witness to lie.

Is It Possible for a Legal License to Be Reinstated After Disbarment in California?

Yes, it is possible for a legal license to be reinstated after disbarment in California, but the process is not easy or quick. In fact, there is a five- to seven-year mandatory waiting period before an attorney can even petition for reinstatement. The attorney in question may be required to demonstrate rehabilitation or personal progress in order to have their license reinstated. If you are trying to reinstate your license, your attorney can help you determine the appropriate approach.

What Should an Attorney Do After Receiving Notice of a State Bar Complaint or Investigation?

The first thing an attorney should do after receiving notice of a State Bar complaint or investigation is contact a lawyer and secure legal counsel. Attorneys can and should have representation at every stage of a complaint investigation. Beyond that, lawyers facing a complaint or investigation should gather any information or records they have that may help them defend the case.

How Can a Corona State Bar Defense Lawyer Help Protect a Lawyer’s License and Legal Career?

A State Bar defense lawyer in Corona, California can help protect a lawyer’s license and legal career by building and presenting a solid defense in the face of a complaint or investigation. They can help gather information and communicate with investigators to make sure that all of the facts of the case are known and their client is given proper consideration during the process.

Contact Century Law Group, LLP Today

If you are a lawyer in the Corona area and your legal license is at risk, you need legal representation of your own. Century Law Group, LLP is a boutique law firm bringing decades of experience navigating State Bar investigation cases. We can stand beside you, support you, and present your case with precision and efficiency. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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