Disbarment Recommended for Longtime DC Defense Lawyer Convicted in Evidence Scheme
Found guilty by a federal judge after a bench trial earlier this year of participating in a conspiracy to present faked evidence in a client’s drug trial, a longtime criminal defense lawyer in Washington, D.C., is now facing a disbarment recommendation.
Charles Daum was convicted of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice and subornation of perjury, although it is possible he may appeal, notes the Board on Professional Responsibility in a Friday report (PDF) provided by the Blog of Legal Times.
The board recommends that Daum be disbarred, based on his conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, but says it will revisit this recommendation if he successfully appeals.
“If respondent’s conviction of crimes of moral turpitude are set aside by the trial court, or reversed on appeal, bar counsel shall notify the board, and make a further recommendation regarding the appropriate sanction in this matter,” the report explains. “Accordingly, the board’s report and recommendation shall issue forthwith.”
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “‘Shocked’ Crim Defense Attorney Is Charged in Fake-Evidence Case, Denies Wrongdoing”
ABAJournal.com: “Federal Judge Finds Longtime DC Defense Lawyer Charles Daum Guilty in Client’s Faked-Evidence Scheme”
