News Summary
Covington lawyer David Ozburn has been placed on interim suspension by the Georgia Supreme Court due to serious misconduct allegations, including financial impropriety and client mishandling. Multiple complaints have surfaced against him, with serious charges including racketeering and theft. Ozburn’s legal troubles raise concerns about ethical standards in the legal profession, as clients grapple with the fallout from his alleged misconduct.
Covington Lawyer David Ozburn Placed on Interim Suspension Amid Serious Misconduct Allegations
The legal community in Georgia has been rocked by recent developments surrounding David Ozburn, a lawyer based in Covington. The Georgia Supreme Court has placed Ozburn on interim suspension as part of an ongoing disciplinary process initiated by the State Bar of Georgia. This suspension arises in the wake of multiple complaints against him, including some serious allegations involving financial impropriety and mishandling of client cases.
Complaints on the Rise
One of the most significant complaints comes from Darren and Daphney Hilley, residents of Monticello, who claim that Ozburn has effectively “ruined” Darren’s personal injury case. The couple confronted Ozburn in a surprise visit to his office, where he allegedly confessed to mishandling their case. Disturbingly, this encounter was recorded on tape, capturing Ozburn’s admissions and regrets over his failures.
The Hilleys began seeking legal assistance from Ozburn after Darren suffered a serious back injury in 2015 due to an industrial accident. Encouraged by Ozburn’s assertions that their case was a “slam dunk,” they entrusted him with their legal affairs. However, over the years, he failed to take any substantive action and ultimately dismissed their case without informing them. The Hilleys only discovered the case had been dismissed four years prior during their own investigation.
In addition to the Hilleys’ assertion, at least two other complaints against Ozburn have surfaced, further complicating his legal troubles. Notably, one grievance involves a woman who hired Ozburn for assistance in obtaining guardianship of her grandchildren, claiming he completed no work after accepting a $1,000 payment.
Criminal Indictment and Racketeering Charges
Ozburn’s legal issues extend beyond client complaints. He faces a troubling criminal indictment that includes charges of racketeering, forgery in the first degree, and two counts of theft by taking. The indictment details allegations that Ozburn engaged in fraudulent activities during real estate closings, including falsely selling title insurance and charging misleading fees. It is estimated that he misappropriated nearly $72,000 in these transactions.
Among the clients affected by Ozburn’s alleged misconduct are Lynne and Phillip Herrington, also victims tied to the charges against him. After purchasing their home in 2020, they learned that Ozburn failed to deliver on promised title insurance and closing fees, leaving them in a precarious situation. They paid Ozburn $1,875, expecting due diligence and proper handling of their transaction, which did not materialize.
The Future of Ozburn’s Legal Career
Following the interim suspension, Ozburn’s law office remains operational—his sign is still displayed, and his business website is still active, leading to questions about his compliance with the suspension order. Despite the consequences he faces, no hearings have been scheduled in his racketeering case.
Ozburn may still have an opportunity to respond to the Bar’s investigation, which could potentially lift the interim suspension. However, if he fails to engage with the investigation, he risks facing a disciplinary hearing that could lead to his disbarment.
As this story continues to unfold, the repercussions for Ozburn underscore a broader concern about ethical conduct within the legal profession. Clients place their trust in attorneys to navigate complex legal landscapes, and when that trust is betrayed, the effects can be deeply felt.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- FOX 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Lawyer
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Google Search: David Ozburn lawyer
- State Bar of Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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