Practice Pointer: Do Not Represent Your Dealer On Drug Charges

A complaint posted today by the North Carolina State Bar alleges that an attorney had engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice by failing to appear in court on behalf of two clients facing criminal charges.

Count Two is more interesting. It alleges that the attorney represented a client “with a long history of drug-related charges and convictions, on charges of possession of cocaine.”

The client’s cell phone was thereafter “seized and examined by law enforcement in connection with another drug-related investigation.”

There were text messages in which (it is alleged) the attorney “made inquiries about purchasing heroin, marijuana, and ‘pills’ ” from his client.

The complaint alleges that representing a client who is supplying the attorney with illegal drugs is a conflict of interest.

It is also alleged that the attorney made false denials to the State Bar. The alleged false statements blamed his ex-finacee for borrowing his cell phone and sending the texts. (Mike Frisch)