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The Balance

By Michael Frisch

The Georgia Supreme court has accepted an attorney’s agreement to an interim suspension pending resolution of criminal charges

The State Bar responds that while there is no specific rule that contemplates a suspension in this context, Smith’s request strikes a reasonable balance between the need for public protection and Smith’s right to defend against the criminal charges, see In the Matter of Swank, 288 Ga. 479 (704 SE2d 807) (2011), so it has no objection to the Court’s granting his petition.

Having reviewed the record, the Court agrees that Smith’s request should be granted. Therefore, it is hereby ordered that Wilson R. Smith be suspended from the practice of law in this State during the pendency of the criminal charges against him and until further order of this Court.

KFVS 12 reported on the charges.

A Vidalia attorney has been arrested and placed in the Toombs County Detention Center following an investigation on Wednesday, according to Sheriff Alvie Kight. 
 
Wilson Smith was charged with theft by conversion and forgery in the first and third degrees.
Sheriff Kight said the counts involve clients, and more clients are being interviewed. More charges could be filed against Smith.
 
“The allegations are that settlement documents were signed without the consent of the parties, and that the money from the settlement was basically taken by the defendant,” Chief Assistant DA Trip Fitzner said. 
 
When prosecutors served him with a search warrant for his law office, Smith agreed to help. A deputy and a prosecutor escorted him to the office, after another attorney was appointed to protect the privacy of clients’ records that are not connected to the case.
 
Fitzner said the investigation is ongoing, and more cases and victims could be added.

Posted in:
Bar Discipline & Process