There are several reasons why an attorney may face sanctions regarding their ability to practice law.
According to the Florida Bar, some reasons why an attorney could lose their license include:
- Engaging in a conflict of interest
- Knowingly providing false statements or misrepresenting a legal matter
- Acting in a way that violates the attorney’s personal integrity
- Abusing the legal process
- Violating attorney-client privilege
These are just some of the reasons why you may face punitive actions as an attorney, possibly resulting in the forfeiture of your license. You may be able to contest pending disbarment or another sanction against your license by working with a legal professional.
The Florida Bar Oversees Allegations Against Attorneys
If you are an attorney in Florida facing possible suspension or revocation of your license to practice, then it is likely that the Florida Bar will oversee:
- The assignment of your case to a local grievance community, generally comprised of lawyers and public officials
- The investigation of the allegations against you
- Determinations of whether further disciplinary measures are necessary
- The referral of your case to the Florida Supreme Court if the Bar determines there is probable cause
The Florida Supreme Court will appoint a judge to oversee your case, and from there, you could be prosecuted by the Florida Bar counsel. At this stage, you may choose to have an attorney represent you, as they may be able to assist during your initial trial and with any appeals that you file with the Disciplinary Review Committee.
You Could Be Facing Significant Sanctions
Depending on the allegations against you, you may be facing a variety of possible punishments, as outlined by the Florida Bar.
Such punitive measures could include:
- Disbarment. This is the most serious sanction that you can receive and generally means that you will not be able to practice law for at least five years. At the period’s conclusion, you may have to retake the Bar exam and undergo further vetting.
- Disciplinary revocation. In this situation, you consent to give up your license without a fight and will also have to wait five years to re-apply for licensure. Voluntarily giving up your license could be viewed favorably during a future character review.
- Suspension. You could face having your license suspended for a predetermined period of time, based on the severity of the allegations against you.
- Probation. The length of your probationary period could impose limitations on your ability to practice law.
The possibility that an attorney can lose their license is never welcome, but probation, reprimand, or admonishment may be far preferable to disbarment if you want to continue practicing law.
You may not be aware of an investigation or allegations against you until the Florida Bar has chosen to proceed with official sanction hearings, according to Florida Bar rule 2.04. A lawyer may assist in your defense and help fight the claims against you.
Call Our Team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Without fully understanding the Florida Bar’s disciplinary process, an attorney can lose their license to practice law. Whether you are facing allegations that are baseless or want to minimize the risk of losing your license, our team may be able to help.
Call our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
We Can Help.
