On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of Georgia accepted Attorney Austin O. Jones’s petition for the voluntary surrender of his law license, resulting in his removal from the state bar.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Austin O. Jones,” with case no. S25Y0142.
Jones pleaded guilty to two felony charges of possession of child pornography on July 24, 2024, in the United States District Court. This admission constituted a violation of Rule 8.4(a)(2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibits attorneys from being convicted of a felony.
The maximum penalty for such a violation is disbarment, and Jones’s decision to voluntarily surrender his license was recognized as equivalent to disbarment. The State Bar of Georgia supported Jones’s petition, stating that accepting his voluntary surrender was in the best interest of the public and the legal profession.
As a result of the court’s ruling, Jones’s name has been officially removed from the rolls of individuals authorized to practice law in Georgia. He has been reminded of his ongoing obligations under relevant bar rules. All justices of the Supreme Court concurred with this decision.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, the name of Austin O. Jones hereby is removed from the rolls of persons entitled to practice law in the State of Georgia. Jones is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (b).”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Jones was a family attorney in Loganville, Georgia. He acquired his law license in Georgia in 2003.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
