Florida Licensed Lawyers and Drug Abuse

Florida’s legal profession is wondering how to handle its own drug addicts.  In an article from the Tampa Bay Times, they describe two Pinellas County lawyers facing drug trafficking charges and abusing drugs themselves.

A criminal defense lawyer was secretly recorded when a woman offered to hand him a bottle of  250 oxycodone and other pills to pay off a legal bill. He agreed to take them and he and his wife were arrested shortly afterward. Another lawyer was willing to smuggle prescription pills to his client in the Pinellas County Jail, as long as he would be paid for it later and be able to keep some of the pills himself.

Should these lawyers be put into treatment or kicked out of practicing law?

The Florida legal community works to rehabilitate its members who develop addictions to alcohol or drugs. With treatment and supervision, troubled lawyers can return to work. But addicted or not, breaking the law is the problem. In addition to the possibility of getting disbarred, both of these men face prison time.

The phrase — no client harm — is a key point for the Bar. The legal system is based on “trust that the lawyer is looking out for a client’s best interest,” said Ken Marvin, director of lawyer regulation for the Florida Bar.

Attorney Lars Soreide, of Soreide Law Group, PLLC, represents those seeking admittance to The Florida Bar, and existing lawyers, for both Investigative Hearings and Formal Hearings in front of The Florida Bar. Please call (888) 760-6552 or visit: www.floridabarhearing.com.

THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT DISCIPLINES ATTORNEYS

The Florida Bar, the state’s guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, announced on their website that the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders disciplined 22 attorneys in March, 21 attorneys in April, and 13 attorneys in May. Some attorneys received more than one form of discipline.

The Florida Bar and its Department of Lawyer Regulation, an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court, administer a statewide disciplinary system to enforce Supreme Court rules of professional conduct for the 93,000-plus lawyers admitted to practice law in Florida.

The Court’s orders are not final until time expires to file a rehearing motion and, if filed, determined. The filing of such a motion does not alter the effective date of the discipline. Disbarred lawyers may not re-apply for admission for five years.

Attorney Lars Soreide, of Soreide Law Group, PLLC, represents those seeking admittance to the Florida Bar, and existing lawyers, for both Investigative Hearings and Formal Hearings in front of the Florida Bar. For more information about our services please call (888) 760-6552 or visit: www.floridabarhearing.com.