In a significant legal crackdown, the Florida Supreme Court has taken disciplinary actions against five attorneys for misconduct, MSN reports.
The court's recent rulings ranged from suspensions to the disbarment of lawyers found violating professional standards.
The Florida Supreme Court has a rigorous process for handling cases of attorney misconduct, ensuring that legal professionals adhere to the highest ethical standards. The disciplinary measures taken this month underscore the court's commitment to maintaining public trust in the legal system.
Among the disciplined, two attorneys received suspensions, one was urgently suspended, another was disbarred, and the last had their license revoked. Each case involves distinct violations such as fraud, lack of communication with clients, and misappropriation of funds.
Disciplinary actions by the court are not final immediately. The attorneys have a chance to file a rehearing motion before the orders become irreversible. This procedural step is critical as it provides a window for the attorneys to contest the findings before the sanctions take full effect.
Disbarment is considered one of the most severe penalties in the legal profession. A disbarred attorney cannot reapply for admission to the Bar for five years. Furthermore, they must undergo a thorough background check and pass the Bar exam again, demonstrating a significant commitment to rehabilitation.
In a notable instance from this group, Rasheed Karim Allen-Dawson of Clermont was disbarred immediately following an August 1 court order. He had previously failed to notify clients and courts of his suspension, continued practicing law illegally, and was consequently held in contempt.
Allen-Dawson's actions following his suspension prompted the court to disbar him immediately. Admitted to the Bar in 2011, his recent actions violated the foundational trust placed in him as a legal advocate.
Similarly, Charles Edwin Lykes Jr. from Clearwater faces a suspension that remains in effect until further compliance. Despite a court order from July 31 demanding a response to The Florida Bar's inquiries, Lykes failed to respond, leading to his indefinite suspension.
In Miami, attorney Willishia Brenay Plant was suspended for 180 days and will be on probation for two years upon her reinstatement. Her case involved failures in client communication, misrepresentation of legal actions, and false testimony under oath, which were highlighted during her last hearing.
Plant's lack of candor was particularly noted during cross-examination, which played a crucial role in the disciplinary actions taken against her. Admitted to the Bar in 2019, her relatively short career has now encountered significant obstacles.
Larry Edward Powers Jr., based in New Smyrna Beach, received an emergency suspension. He was found to have misappropriated client funds and failed to adhere to trust account regulations, posing a serious threat to the public and his clients.
This immediate suspension requires Powers to cease representing any clients within 30 days of the August 14 court order. Powers, who has been practicing since 1987, faces a potentially career-ending review depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Jacksonville attorney Shaquandra Arita Woods faced disciplinary revocation with an option to reapply for admission after her involvement in a federal fraud case. Indicted in early 2022, she was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a COVID-19 relief scheme.
