Charleston Lawyer Arrested for Disorderly Conduct

News Summary

Local attorney William Mullins McLeod Jr. has been arrested for disorderly conduct after an incident in Charleston’s historic Battery. Witnesses reported him walking in his underwear and yelling incoherently. Despite being a well-respected lawyer, this bizarre event has raised questions about his well-being and future in the legal profession. Another lawyer, Michael Hostilo, has faced a public reprimand for misleading advertising. These incidents highlight concerns about ethics and behavior in the legal community.

Charleston Attorney Arrested for Disorderly Conduct

Charleston, S.C. – In a surprising turn of events, local attorney William Mullins McLeod Jr., age 53, found himself behind bars on a disorderly conduct charge after a bizarre incident along the city’s historic Battery. The arrest took place on Thursday morning following an unprecedented evening escapade that saw McLeod parading without clothes, aside from his underwear and shoes.

The unsettling incident unfolded on Wednesday evening at the intersection of King Street and Murray Boulevard, where witnesses reported seeing the attorney walking in a state of undress while yelling at the top of his lungs. Sources indicate that McLeod exhibited behavior that left onlookers both shocked and bewildered.

A Troubling Encounter

Upon the arrival of law enforcement, McLeod’s behavior escalated. When approached by officers, he began rambling incoherently, declaring himself to be both “Superman” and “God“. This erratic display made it immensely challenging for the police to ascertain his identity. His refusal to present identification, coupled with a penchant for providing fictitious names, ultimately led to his arrest.

Further complicating matters, McLeod’s behavior during transport to the Al Cannon Detention Center raised eyebrows. Rather than calming down, he persisted in loudly discussing “vague historic events” and mentioning multiple personal figures. His refusal to exit the police vehicle upon arriving at the jail was yet another troubling aspect of the incident, as he expressed a desire to take a nap inside the vehicle instead.

Physical Symptoms Noted

Law enforcement officers reported observing concerning physical symptoms in McLeod. His eyes were described as “extremely bloodshot and highly dilated,” and he was visibly sweating profusely—symptoms typically associated with the possible influence of a stimulant narcotic. These observations contributed to the officers’ concerns about the attorney’s well-being, as well as the need for immediate intervention.

Legal Career in Shambles

William Mullins McLeod Jr. is no stranger to the legal field; he comes from a distinguished lineage of attorneys in South Carolina, being a third-generation lawyer. He specializes in personal injury law and holds a reputation as a victims’ rights advocate. McLeod, a graduate of Wofford College in 1994 and the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997, has been practicing since his admission to the South Carolina Bar that same year.

Over the years, he has built a career notable for not only his legal expertise but also his involvement in politics, having served two terms as Chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party and running for governor in 2010. However, this recent incident represents a significant tarnish on his professional reputation.

Release and Future Implications

McLeod was subsequently released on Friday after posting a personal recognizance bond. Nevertheless, this bizarre incident raises questions about the potential implications for his future legal career. The legal community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this incident unfolds and whether McLeod will face additional repercussions from his peers or bar associations.

Misleading Advertising Results in Public Reprimand for Savannah Lawyer

In a separate incident, another attorney in the region faced scrutiny from the South Carolina Supreme Court. Lawyer Michael Hostilo received a public reprimand for engaging in misleading advertising that created unjustified expectations regarding potential case outcomes.

Hostilo, who operates a practice in Georgia while employing South Carolina-licensed attorneys, was penalized after an investigation by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC). The inquiry revealed that his advertisements, which included flashy billboards and social media content, misrepresented the firm’s achievements and commitments to clients, particularly in workers’ compensation cases.

Penalties Enforced

As a result of the ODC’s findings, Hostilo has been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and cover the investigative costs. Despite the reprimand, the court noted that Hostilo had already completed an ethics program earlier in the year aimed at addressing misleading advertising practices.

The outcome of this investigation not only emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards in legal advertising but also serves as a cautionary tale for other attorneys in the region. With various platforms available for legal marketing, it is imperative for legal practitioners to ensure that their messaging aligns with ethical guidelines.

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Additional Resources

• WCIV: Charleston Attorney Arrested for Disorderly Conduct
• South Carolina Bar
• South Carolina Supreme Court
• Office of Disciplinary Counsel
• Taylor Anderson Law Firm