States start trend of recognizing parent-child privilege
Nine states currently recognize a parent-child privilege in criminal cases. ...[Continue Reading]
Articles by Laura Tonch, Former Senior Staff Writer/Ethics
About Laura Tonch, Former Senior Staff Writer/Ethics
Parent-Child Privilege Supports Stronger Familial Bonds
The interests served by spousal and patient-psychotherapist privileges may also be served by a parent-child privilege. ...[Continue Reading]
Should “every man’s evidence” include Mom and Dad’s?
The need to present all relevant evidence at trial must be weighed against the importance of preserving parent-child relationships. ...[Continue Reading]
Wake county judge refuses to vouch for school vouchers
Judge Robert Hobgood has ruled North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program unconstitutional. ...[Continue Reading]
05.22.2014 Reprimand [Wake County]
On May 22, 2014, the Grievance Committee of the North Carolina State Bar reprimanded Thomas D. Blue, Jr. (“Blue”), for violations of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. In August 2013, a new assistant reconciling the firm’s trust account discovered a bookkeeping error made by ...[Continue Reading]
06.20.2014 Reprimand [Forsyth County]
On June 20, 2014, the Grievance Committee of the North Carolina State Bar reprimanded Kristen N. Comerford (“Comerford”). Comerford’s former employer previously filed a grievance against her after learning that she had falsified multiple entries in the firm’s document review software. ...[Continue Reading]
02.20.2014 Reprimand [Onslow County]
On February 20, 2014, the Grievance Committee of the North Carolina State Bar reprimanded Stephanie L. Villaver (“Villaver”) after determining that her Internet conduct violated several provisions of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. Villaver posted an Internet advertisement ...[Continue Reading]
Advising Clients on Social Media Posts
The North Carolina Ethics Committee proposed an opinion suggesting that lawyers may advise their clients to remove social media posts if doing so does not constitute spoliation or is otherwise illegal. ...[Continue Reading]
05.29.2014 Temporary Stay from 04.22.2014 Consent Order of Disbarment [Robeson County]
William Britt’s actions regarding entrusted funds violated several of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. First, entrusted funds were not properly maintained, were used to benefit the attorney, and were not properly disbursed. The State Bar found twelve instances in which the ...[Continue Reading]
02.24.2014 Reprimand [Forsyth County]
Antoinette L. Van-Riel violated numerous rules after being hired to represent M. K. in separation and divorce proceedings. Van-Riel violated Rule 1.4 of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct for failing to respond to M. K.’s calls and requests for information. She also ...[Continue Reading]
04.09.2014 Consent Order of Reinstatement [Alamance County]
On December 1, 2005, Ronna Gibbs was transferred to disability inactive status. On December 5, 2013, Dr. Philip H. Lavine, M.D., stated that Gibbs was in remission from major depression and as such, fit to resume the practice of law. Finding no evidence to the contrary, the Disciplinary Hearing ...[Continue Reading]
When is cell phone location data constitutionally protected private information?
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that obtaining a criminal defendant’s cell phone location data without a warrant violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment privacy rights. ...[Continue Reading]
05.06.2014 Consent Order of Disbarment [Cabarrus County]
Kia Scott was disbarred on May 6, 2014 by a Hearing Panel of the Disciplinary Hearing Commission. ...[Continue Reading]
Chapel Hill’s ban on cell phone use while driving gets disconnected
On June 12, 2014, the Supreme Court of North Carolina struck down the state’s first local ordinance banning the use of cellphones while driving. ...[Continue Reading]
Florida judge disbarred after secret relationship with prosecutor
The presiding judge and lead prosecutor established a “personal and emotional relationship” during the course of a capital murder trial. ...[Continue Reading]
