In re Shelton


<- Return to Search Results


Docket Number: 2005-BR-02366-SCT
Linked Case(s): 2005-BR-02366-SCT ; 2005-BR-02366-SCT

Supreme Court: Opinion Link
Opinion Date: 03-28-2008
Opinion Author: Lamar, J.
Holding: The Petition of J. Keith Shelton for Reinstatement to the practice of law in the State of Mississippi is granted, and his name shall be immediately restored to the rolls of The Mississippi Bar. REINSTATEMENT GRANTED

Additional Case Information: Topic: Bar reinstatement - Miss.R.Disc. 12.7
Judge(s) Concurring: Smith, C.J., Waller and Diaz, P.JJ., Easley, Carlson, Dickinson and Randolph, JJ.
Judge(s) Concurring Separately: Dickinson, J., Concurs with Separate Written Opinion Joined by Smith, C.J., Waller, P.J., Carlson, Randolph and Lamar, JJ.
Non Participating Judge(s): Graves, J.
Nature of the Case: CIVIL - BAR MATTERS

  Party Name: Attorney Name:  
Appellant: In the Matter of the Petition of J. Keith Shelton for Reinstatement to the Mississippi Bar




ANDREW J. KILPATRICK, JR.



 

Appellee: Unknown ADAM B. KILGORE  

Synopsis provided by:

If you are interested in subscribing to the weekly synopses of all Mississippi Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
hand downs please contact Tammy Upton in the MLI Press office.

Topic: Bar reinstatement - Miss.R.Disc. 12.7

Summary of the Facts: J. Keith Shelton was suspended from the practice of law pursuant to Rule 6(a) of the Mississippi Rules of Discipline. Following dismissal of the underlying criminal charges which resulted in his suspension, Shelton filed his petition for reinstatement. The Supreme Court referred the matter to a complaint tribunal for an evidentiary hearing. The complaint tribunal recommended that Shelton be immediately reinstated to the practice of law in the State of Mississippi and that his name be restored to the rolls of the Mississippi Bar.

Summary of Opinion Analysis: Rule 12.7 lays out the requirements for a petition for reinstatement. The petition shall be addressed to the Court, give reasons justifying reinstatement, state the cause or causes for suspension or disbarment, give the names and addresses of all those who suffered pecuniary loss due to the improper conduct, make full amends and restitution, show the necessary moral character for the practice of law and demonstrate the requisite legal education to be reinstated to the privilege of practicing law. Shelton’s suspension was his plea of guilty to a charge of bribery of a public official. That plea was never accepted by the trial court, and the charges were eventually dismissed on the motion of the State. Shelton has maintained his innocence throughout this entire process. The findings of the complaint tribunal reveal that no other person suffered any pecuniary loss due to Shelton’s actions. The complaint tribunal found that there is no evidence that Shelton ever lacked the requisite moral character to practice law. Fourteen people, including three members of the Mississippi Bar, provided affidavit testimony on behalf of Shelton’s character and recommended that he be reinstated to the practice of law. Shelton submitted certificates of attendance from CLE seminars which he has attended since his suspension. The petition for reinstatement of J. Keith Shelton to the practice of law in the State of Mississippi is granted. Under the peculiar facts of this case, Shelton is not required to take the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam.


Home | Terms of Use | About the JDP | Feedback | Using JDP | MC Law Library | Mississippi Supreme Court