what you need to know about attorney disqualification in texas

by Kaela Hilpert PhD 5 min read

Every advocate owes duties to the client, the Court, and the opposing side. Attorney disqualification arises from the breach of these obligations. Sometimes, the observance of these duties compels an advocate to seek recusal or disqualification of a judge or an adversary. The Texas Bar rules outline an advocate's duties as follows: 1.

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What is judicial recusal and disqualification in Texas?

(internal quotations omitted). Second, under certain very limited circumstances, the opposing party in litigation can seek disqualification based on an alleged conflict of interest

What is a motion to disqualify a judge?

Attorney James McCormick explores the rules and law governing attorney disqualification and when disqualification is appropriate. Once you register for the online course, you have 90 days to complete it. There is a $35 fee to reactivate the course after 90 days. Cancellation/Transfer: Please contact us regarding transferring or cancelling your registration at …

What disqualifies a juror from jury selection in Texas?

STANDING TO SEEK DISQUALIFICATION In both Texas state1 and federal courts,2 the general rule is that only clients or former clients have standing to move to dis-qualify; however, there are exceptions in both jurisdictions. Texas state courts and the U.S. Fifth Circuit recognize that an attorney’s duty to preserve confidences exists even where his or

When do you need a criminal defense attorney in Texas?

Aug 20, 2018 · One of the critical issues in seeking disqualification—no matter what the grounds—is the timing of the motion. Under Texas law, “[a] party who fails to file its motion to disqualify opposing counsel in a timely manner waives the complaint.” Vaughan v. Walther, 875 S.W.2d 690, 690 (Tex. 1994) (per curiam). Simply put, if you wait too long to file, you may out of …

What disqualifies you from being a lawyer in Texas?

As discussed in more detail below, the primary bases for disqualification are attorney conflicts related to prior work on a substantially related matter, representations that call into question the lawyer's or law firm's prior work, and violations of the “lawyer as witness” rule.

What does it mean to disqualify a law firm?

Disqualification is vicarious when a court disqualifies a lawyer be- cause he or she was a member of a firm that previously represented the. adverse party or when a court disqualifies a firm because one of its. members previously represented the adverse party.

What does motion to disqualify mean?

“Disqualification” means that a judge is removed from a court case and an alternate judge gets assigned to the proceedings. If one of the reasons within CCP 170.1 exists, then a party attempts to actually disqualify a judge by: filing a motion to recuse, and.

Can you file a motion to disqualify opposing counsel Texas?

Among our firm's growing practice areas is litigation where one party files a motion seeking to disqualify another party's lawyers. ... Under Texas law, “[a] party who fails to file its motion to disqualify opposing counsel in a timely manner waives the complaint.” Vaughan v. Walther, 875 S.W.Aug 20, 2018

How do you dismiss a counsel?

You should change attorneys in a matter that does not negatively affect your case.Call the attorney and tell him or her that you want to terminate his or her services. ... Send a registered or certified letter to the attorney that clearly states that you are dismissing him or her from your case.More items...

What is simultaneous representation?

Concurrent representation is the he simultaneous representation of more than one person in the same matter. This can result in conflict of interest when the considerations of one party is to the detriment of another.

What if the judge is biased?

If the Judge makes a ruling in a court hearing that a guy feels is bias, then he should contact his attorney immediately to try to bring the matter back to court for a motion to set aside the order or appeal the ruling depending on the state's rules of civil procedure.

What does affidavit of prejudice mean?

The Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 is used whenever an attorney intends to keep a judge from hearing any matter that involves a contested issue of fact or law. It is sometimes called an affidavit of prejudice, a preemptory challenge or a disqualification of a judge.Jun 25, 2014

Can you ask a judge to recuse himself?

Any party in a lawsuit may request that a judge recuse him or herself. The Supreme Court addressed recusal in the 2009 case Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co.

Can an attorney contact opposing client in Texas?

“In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate or cause or encourage another to communicate about the subject of the representation with a person, organization or entity of government the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer regarding that subject, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other ...

Can a non US citizen be lawyer?

The State Bar of California includes attorneys who have been educated abroad. They do not have to be citizens to be a licensed attorney in California, but they do have to fill out some extra paperwork.

What is judicial recusal?

Judicial recusal is a motion filed by parties involved with a legal case, requesting removal of a judge from that case for various qualified reasons. A request for judicial recusal must show that the presiding judge either has a direct financial, personal, or familial connection with a party involved in the case being heard.

When is recusal necessary?

The use of recusal or disqualification may be necessary when an attorney discovers a judge may have prior interests with a case or its associated parties. With the help of a lawyer experienced in handling criminal law cases, a defendant can be assured of receiving a fair trial from an unbiased judge in a neutral court setting.

What is the principle of voir dire?

One of the most important and essential principles of the American judicial system is for a defendant to be tried by an impartial judge and/or panel of jurors who have no individual interest in the outcome of that trial. In Texas, jurors can be disqualified from jury selection by the prosecutor or criminal defense attorney during the voir dire process if that potential juror has any interest in or bias against the defendant.

How to prove a DWI in Texas?

If, however, you hire an experienced DWI and criminal defence attorney, he can argue on your behalf at the hearing. The Texas DPS must prove by a preponderance of the evidence the following: 1 There was reasonable suspicion to stop or probable cause to arrest you. 2 You were driving or you were in actual control of a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. 3 You were taken into custody, and (1) you were informed orally and in writing of the consequences of refusing or failing a breath or blood test; then (2) you were asked to submit to a breath or blood test; and (3) you refused to take and also failed the breath or blood test.

How long does it take to get a CDL disqualified?

If you lose your ALR hearing, then your CDL is disqualified for one year unless you were driving a commercial vehicle identified with placards for hazardous materials, then the penalty is 3 years. In effect, your career could be on the precipice of being over.

How to contact Doug Murphy?

If you want one of the best DWI lawyers in Texas to protect your career and freedom, Contact Doug Murphy online or at 713-229-8333 today to discuss the circumstances of your case.

Why do truckers have to defend their license?

Because you face jail time and serious fines, in addition to driver's license suspension and CDL disqualification (see below), defending your charge is of the utmost importance for you, your family and your profession. Truckers can make a very good livelihood off of their trade, but to be forced to forgo it for a year minimum due to jail time and CDL disqualification puts truckers' careers at risk. To rebuild your reputation and to convince an employer to hire you when there is a pool of potential, qualified candidates, will be a challenge.

What is the legal BAC level in Texas?

In Texas, it is a crime to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level at 0.04% or above if you have a commercial driver's license, and are driving a commercial motor vehicle. This legal limit is not set by the State of Texas alone but by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which states that any commercial driver operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher is considered to be driving under the influence.

How long does a temporary driver's license last?

If you are arrested for DWI, first offense, while operating a commercial vehicle using your CDL, your driver's license and CDL will be taken and the police will issue a temporary driving permit that expires in 41 days from the date of issuance. This temporary license allows you to continue driving your commercial vehicle.

What is the legal BAC for a CDL?

Remember, too, that the BAC legal limit for CDL-holders is half the BAC legal limit of other driver's who are legally permitted to drink alcohol, thus, if your BAC level was between 0.04 and 0.079, you may still be able to avoid driver's license suspension but it will be more difficult to prevent CDL disqualification.