under what circumstances can an attorney license be revoked

by Prof. Herminio Strosin PhD 3 min read

Other factors also go into the revocation of licenses. This can include the State Bar finding you insane or mentally incompetent to stand trial, caused by potential substance abuse. If you have caused great harm to your clients or the public, this also serves as grounds for license revocation.

Causes of disbarment may include: a felony involving "moral turpitude," forgery, fraud, a history of dishonesty, consistent lack of attention to clients, alcoholism or drug abuse which affect the attorney's ability to practice, theft of funds, or any pattern of violation of the professional code of ethics.

Full Answer

What is the most common reason for an attorney to be disciplined?

Professional misconduct is the most common reason for attorney discipline. Lawyers can also be disciplined for conduct in their personal lives.

What are grounds for disbarment in Texas?

The misconduct includes theft, misapplication of fiduciary property, or the failure to return, after demand, a clearly unearned fee; or. The misconduct has resulted in a substantial injury to the client, the public, the legal system, or the profession; or.

What does a suspension of a lawyer mean?

Attorney suspension occurs as a disciplinary action taken when a lawyer faces an ethical complaint, undergoes an investigation, and is subsequently found to have violated professional conduct rules. ABA Model Rule 27 defines the obligations of an attorney has if they are suspended.

What is the difference between suspension and disbarment?

A suspension is used when there is an immediate need. It is a temporary measure; there is a 12-month limit, which can be extended for another six months. A debarment is for a specific term, but generally not longer than three years.

Can you be a lawyer with a felony in Texas?

Almost all states will license people with criminal records to become attorneys, though some have extra restrictions of which you should be aware. Only three states explicitly forbid persons with felony convictions from becoming lawyers in the state: Texas, Kansas, and Mississippi.

Who regulates lawyers in Texas?

The State Bar of TexasThe State Bar of Texas is the agency with authority to regulate attorneys in Texas. If you have a complaint about the actions of an attorney, contact the State Bar's Grievance Committee at (800) 932-1900.

What does suspension mean in legal terms?

SUSPENSION. A temporary stop of a right, of a law, and the like. 2. In times of war the habeas corpus act maybe suspended by lawful authority.

What does suspended mean in legal terms?

In criminal law, a suspended sentence is an alternative to imprisonment where a judge may partially or entirely suspend the convicted individual's prison or jail sentence so long as they fulfill certain conditions.

What does public reproval mean?

Is a public warning from the Commission that conduct is not appropriate for a credential holder or applicant. Following a public reproval, commission of the same or similar conduct may result in more serious adverse action.

What is it called when you lie under oath?

In short, a false statement is perjury when it is made under oath or made under penalty of perjury. Two separate statutes define the crime of perjury under federal law.

Who does debarment apply?

Answer: A debarment is an action taken by a debarring official that excludes or disqualifies a person or company for a specific period of time, generally not longer than 3 years. A debarment has government wide effect applying to all Federal programs and procurement.

What is a debarment policy?

Debarment is defined as an action taken by a government official to exclude a person or entity from participating in federal transactions.

What does it mean when a lawyer is sanctioned?

When a lawyer is sanctioned, it is mandatory that it is reported. If the lawyer does not report it, they can create a serious problem for themselves and their practice. When a lawyer is sanctioned, they must report it to any state bar, government agency, or federal court where you're admitted to practice.

What is it called when you lie under oath?

In short, a false statement is perjury when it is made under oath or made under penalty of perjury. Two separate statutes define the crime of perjury under federal law.

What's the bar in law?

In law, the bar is the legal profession as an institution. The term is a metonym for the line (or "bar") that separates the parts of a courtroom reserved for spectators and those reserved for participants in a trial such as lawyers.