On Thursday, August 10, 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida issued an order suspending attorney Paul Wesley Darby from the practice of law for 10 days and placing him on probation for three years.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Paul Wesley Darby,” with case no. SC2023-0417.
According to a report, issued by a referee appointed to oversee the proceedings, Darby’s troubles began on August 15, 2020, when he was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and refusing to submit a second offense. This incident marked the start of a tumultuous legal journey for the attorney. On April 7, 2022, Darby pled guilty to leaving the scene of a crash in Lake County, further complicating his legal standing.
However, the situation took a more serious turn just five days later when Darby found himself on the wrong side of the law once again. This time, the charges included Driving Under the Influence, possession of a controlled substance, and refusal to submit to breath alcohol testing. Darby promptly admitted to the probation violation, but his probation was surprisingly terminated on September 2, 2022, without additional sanctions. On that very day, Darby entered a plea of no contest to Driving Under the Influence, with one prior conviction, and refusal to submit to a chemical/physical test in Lake County. The referee recommended that Darby be found guilty of specific rule violations, citing relevant case law in support.
In relation to this, the Supreme Court of Florida accepted the referee’s unopposed report. Darby’s suspension from practicing law for a period of 10 days will commence 30 days from the issuance of the said order, allowing the same ample time to conclude ongoing legal matters and safeguard the interests of current clients.
In addition to the suspension, Darby is placed on probation for three years under the terms and conditions set forth in the report and consent judgment. He is also required to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report and consent judgment.
The Supreme Court of Florida also entered judgment for The Florida Bar, for recovery of costs from Paul Wesley Darby in the amount of $1,659.34.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Darby is a family attorney in Tavares, Florida. He attended the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, graduating in 2009. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2009.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
