On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred attorney David Carleton Head following a recommendation from Special Master. The decision came after a disciplinary hearing centered on Head’s conviction on May 25, 2022, of one count of theft by conversion, which involved his elderly client.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of David Carleton Head,” with case no. S24Y1274.
The conviction stemmed from accusations that he unlawfully converted the title of an ambulance owned by his client. The court sentenced him to twelve months of probation, highlighting the severity of his actions, particularly given that the victim was vulnerable due to age and health issues.
In her report, Special Master LaVonda Rochelle DeWitt determined that Head’s actions constituted a violation of Rule 8.4(a)(3) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule prohibits attorneys from being convicted of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, especially when such conduct questions their fitness to practice law. The Special Master characterized Head’s offense as a serious breach of trust, emphasizing that moral turpitude encompasses actions contrary to justice and good morals.
The report noted that Head had previously received two reprimands and a letter of admonition, indicating a pattern of misconduct. DeWitt identified several aggravating factors, including Head’s dishonest motives aimed at personal enrichment and the vulnerability of his client. Given these circumstances, she concluded that disbarment was the appropriate sanction.
The Supreme Court concurred with the Special Master’s findings, agreeing that Head’s conviction and underlying actions warranted the removal of his license to practice law. The Court’s ruling underlined the importance of maintaining professional integrity within the legal profession, particularly when attorneys are entrusted with the welfare of their clients.
The decision to disbar Head aligns with previous rulings where similar violations resulted in disbarment, reinforcing the court’s commitment to upholding the standards of legal practice in Georgia. The Court noted that Head’s actions not only harmed his client but also diminished public trust in the legal profession.
In closing, the Supreme Court ordered that David Carleton Head’s name be removed from the rolls of licensed attorneys in Georgia, reminding him of his obligations under Rule 4-219 (b) regarding his duties following disbarment.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Head was a criminal defense attorney in Waco, Georgia. He acquired his law license in Georgia in 1990.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
