Six complaints of misconduct that date back to 2003.
That is according to the state Board of Professional Responsibility regarding Hamilton County Lawyer, Jeffrey Andrew Stinnett.
Nancy Jones, Chief Disciplinary Council with the Board of Professional Responsibility, says, "This is very concerning to me because it shows a pattern of misconduct where apparently he is not learning from the fact that formal disciplinary proceedings have been brought against him, and that supreme court has suspended his license."
Stinnett is suspended now for not paying at least two former clients restitution money the board, says, they deserve.
Their complaints stem, in part, from the board's findingings that Stinnett practiced law while suspended, without telling clients when he was suspended.
On top of those allegations, Stinnett now faces criminal charges for forging a judge's signature, charges the board was not even aware of until WDEF contacted them as part of our exclusive investigation.
Jones adds, "No, Ma'am, the first I learned about that was today during our telephone conversation."
According to the affidavit of complaint, Stinnett forged Judge Howell People's signature on an order of protection for one of his clients.
The client quotes Stinnett as saying, "I'm friends with Judge Peoples so we don't need to go back to court."
Judge Peoples found out about the possible forgery, and brought in the district attorney.
Now, another investigation is being opened up by the Board of Professional Responsibility, even before Stinnett goes back to court next Tuesday on the felony forgery charge.
We will find out more about Stinnett's criminal charge on May 1st, when he is due back in court.
Now, if found guilty by the Board of Professional Responsibility, Stinnett could face another suspension.
However, in the State of Tennessee, you cannot permanently loose your license.
