Letters From Two Wives

The Georgia Supreme Court approved the consented-to disposition of a review panel reprimand for an attorney’s ineffective representation of a woman charged with murder. 

He had relied on appointed counsel for the client’s daughter to secure an expert witness.

Ford admits that, when it became clear that an expert had not been retained, he should have consulted with his client regarding the impact on her case and moved for a continuance so that a forensic pathologist could be retained. Ford states that he therefore was not prepared for trial, which resulted in the jury returning a guilty verdict against his client–although her motion for new trial, presented by new counsel, has been granted.

There was mitigation

Ford acknowledges that he received an Investigative Panel reprimand in September 2014. In mitigation, Ford states that, during the time of his representation of this client, he was in the midst of the dissolution of his prior marriage and the beginning of his relationship with the woman who is now his wife. In addition to the stress and distraction caused by this situation, Ford began to drink to excess, which led to an arrest for DUI. Ford pled guilty to the DUI and has complied with the conditions of his probation, changed his behavior, and met with a counselor, who has determined that Ford does not have an addiction to alcohol. Both Ford’s ex- and current wives submitted affidavits attesting to the positive changes that Ford has made. Finally, Ford notes that he did not take the case in question out of greed or from a failure to appreciate the seriousness of the case, but instead because he believed in his client’s innocence. Ford argues that a Review Panel reprimand is the appropriate punishment in this case and seeks to have this Court impose such as discipline. In response, the State Bar recommends that this Court accept Ford’s suggested discipline.

 (Mike Frisch)