Unreported Crimes

The Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct ordered a 36-month suspension of an attorney admitted in 2007.

Since her admission, the attorney has faced a series of criminal charges and convictions for drug and driving offenses, as well as violation of probation.

The committee noted

At no point in time did any prosecuting attorney or any court report the conduct of Burris to the Office of Professional Conduct, as required by Section 15.A of the Supreme Court’s Procedures. When the criminal convictions were discovered, a formal complaint was prepared and served upon her. Burris filed a response to the formal complaint and admitted that she had been dealing with drug addiction issues for years and that she now believes that she has those issues under control.

The attorney’s license has been suspended for years.

Burris’ license to practice law was suspended by the Arkansas Continuing Legal Education Board in 2009 and was never reinstated. Her license to practice law was suspended on March 2, 2009 for failure to pay her annual license fee and she did not pay her license fee for the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Self-regulation depends on fulfilling reporting obligations. See Rule 8.3(a).  (Mike Frisch)