Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Sawhill v. State

The defendant, who is not a licensed attorney, held himself out to a probationer and his probation officer as being entitled to practice law and by furnishing legal services and advice to the probationer.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

A Floyd County jury found John Sawhill guilty of the unauthorized practice of law, and he was given a 12-month sentence consisting of six months in confinement and six months on probation. Sawhill appeals, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. The challenge is without merit and we affirm the conviction. On appeal from a criminal conviction, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the jury’s verdict, and the appellant no longer enjoys the presumption of innocence.1 We do not weigh the evidence or determine witness credibility; rather, our standard of review is whether, based on the evidence, a rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.2

Viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict, the evidence shows that in February 2005, Clifford Broome was placed on probation in Floyd County for traffic offenses. Later that year, he was working outside Georgia and needed help making sure that his probation fees and fines were paid. In November 2005, Sawhill, who is not a licensed attorney, called Broome and offered to help him make the probation payments while he was out of state. Broome had met Sawhill on two or three prior occasions, and believed from what Sawhill had said on those occasions that he was a licensed attorney. Broome agreed to pay Sawhill for his help in making the probation payments.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards 2024
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Associate Litigator

Borteck & Czapek, P.C., based in Florham Park, is a boutique estates and trusts law firm specializing in estate planning and administrat...


Apply Now ›
Gwinnett County: State Court Staff Attorney

Gwinnett County State Court is seeking an attorney to assist the Judge by conducting a variety of legal research, analysis, and document pre...


Apply Now ›
Corporate Counsel

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:(1) Tasks and responsibilities include:Reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements for internal business...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs