Representing Clients In Georgia For More Than 30 Years

Disposition Of Cases By The State Bar Of Georgia And/Or The Supreme Court

Attorney Warren R. Hinds has represented lawyers in over 450 cases where the grievance has been dismissed prior to the filing of a formal complaint and the record expunged by the State Disciplinary Board.

1) In In the Matter of M.B.W., 292 Ga. 899, 742 S.E.2nd 737 (2013), the lawyer was charged with violation of Rules 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(a), 1.16(a) and 3.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Following an evidentiary hearing, the special master concluded that it had not been proven by clear and convincing evidence that the lawyer had violated any rule. The Supreme Court of Georgia agreed and adopted the special master’s recommendation to dismiss the matter.

2) In In the Matter of M.L.T., 291 Ga. 91, 727 S.E.2d 499 (2012), the lawyer admitted violation of Rules 1.4, 1.15(I) and 1.15(II) for having settled a portion of his client’s claims for $98,250 without authority and being out of trust at various times during a six-month period. Although he was subject to disbarment, the lawyer submitted a petition for voluntary discipline outlining numerous mitigating factors and the Supreme Court of Georgia imposed a six-month suspension.

3) In In the Matter of F.P.R., 287 Ga. 822, 700 S.E.2nd 538 (2011), the lawyer received a public reprimand with conditions in resolution of six pending formal complaints arising out of the lawyer’s representation of clients in domestic relations matters, as the attorney’s conduct caused negative repercussions for three of the six clients.

4) In In the Matter of S.J.K., 286 Ga. 469, 689 S.E.2nd 308 (2010), the lawyer was charged with violation of Rules 1.15(II) and 8.4(a) (4). The lawyer, a bankruptcy attorney, did not have an escrow account, and he gave client funds to a friend employed in another law office to hold. The lawyer believed he told the bankruptcy trustee that the money was “in escrow,” although the trustee recalled being told the money was in “an escrow account.” Despite prior discipline (including a three-year suspension in 1998), the Supreme Court of Georgia weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors and agreed to impose a review panel reprimand with conditions.