Crimes Draw Disbarment In California

From the web page of the California State Bar come two disbarment summaries of interest

Charles Dana Pereau [#243705], 62, of Laguna Hills, was disbarred May 19, 2017, and ordered to comply with rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court. Pereau was charged with misdemeanor petty theft for allegedly shoplifting items from an electronics store as well as a misdemeanor count of fighting in public. Pereau pleaded guilty to the count of fighting in public and the count of petty theft was dismissed.  He failed to participate in the State Bar Court proceedings either in person or through counsel for the purpose of determining whether the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation involved moral turpitude or other misconduct warranting discipline.   The State Bar Court found that Pereau’s intentional dishonesty and petty theft involved moral turpitude. Pereau’s inaction led to disbarment under rule 5.85 of the State Bar’s rules of procedure.

Jerry Lane Hefner [#216385], 48, of Julian, was disbarred May 19, 2017, and ordered to comply with rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court. He was convicted in superior court of felony methamphetamine possession. State Bar proceedings were initiated on the basis of the felony conviction to determine if the conviction involved moral turpitude or other misconduct warranting discipline. Hefner failed to participate in the proceeding either in person or through counsel. He was earlier suspended for 90 days and placed on probation for two years for failing to comply with a court order and failing to notify the State Bar of a change in his address within 30 days. Hefner’s failure to participate in the new discipline matter led to disbarment under rule 5.85 of the State Bar’s rules of procedure.

(Mike Frisch)