In a decision handed down by the Missouri Supreme Court Tuesday, Oct. 4, Attorney Carl Smith, of Ava, was found in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and his right and license to practice law in the State of Missouri has been canceled.
The order of disbarment was based on Smith’s violation of Rule 4-8.2(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which states “a lawyer shall not make a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, adjudicatory officer or public legal officer, or of a candidate for election or appointÂment to judicial or legal office.”
According to the Missouri Bar, this is the first time in history, under this rule, full disbarment has been granted by the Missouri Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court findings, and Case No. SC9I696, are public record and may be found on Your Missouri Courts, www.courts.mo.gov/casenet
Most generally, unless otherwise stipulated by the Court, the order imposing disbarment is effective 15 days after entry.
