Evans gets law license back
He served prison time in Laura Griffin's deathBy PRENTISS FINDLAY
The state Supreme Court has reinstated the law license of Charleston attorney Mark V. Evans, who served nearly eight years in prison for the DUI hit-and-run death of Laura Griffin, director of the College of Charleston's substance abuse prevention program.
In its Nov. 6 ruling, the Supreme Court said, "The seriousness of the misconduct committed by petitioner (Evans) cannot be overstated. An innocent victim lost her life as a result of petitioner's behavior. Indeed, we have never been asked to reinstate someone to the practice of law in this state whose misconduct rose to the level of that committed by petitioner, or more specifically, resulted in someone's death."
Previous stories:
Lawyer charged in hit-run, published 01/21/96
Evans free on $125,000 bail, published 03/08/96
Evans case ends abruptly; Griffins OK felony DUI guilty plea, 09/24/96
Evans disbarred for conviction, published 12/03/96
The court said, "We find, after consideration of the totality of the circumstances in this case, most importantly petitioner's actions in turning his life around since his incarceration, that the seriousness of petitioner's misconduct should not preclude his reinstatement."
The court required that Evans attend substance abuse rehabilitation meetings five times weekly for at least two years, and that he submit to periodic and unannounced drug and alcohol testing.
Evans could not be contacted. Charleston City Councilwoman Yvonne Evans, who is Evans' mother, declined comment.
The accident that claimed Laura Griffin's life happened on Jan. 17, 1996. While in prison, Evans corresponded with Griffin's mother, Jerry Griffin, who has said that she did not oppose Evans being reinstated to the South Carolina Bar, according to the court ruling. She could not be contacted.
The Supreme Court stated that in addition to turning his life around through drug and alcohol rehabilitation, Evans recognized the wrongfulness and seriousness of his misconduct and has the requisite honesty and integrity to practice law.
Evans pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence that resulted in fatal injuries. Now 50, he was sentenced to 25 years, suspended during the service of nine years and Evans' payment of $16,686.
Laura Griffin was struck while jogging along The Battery just after dark. Evans — who had been drinking beer that night and had used marijuana and cocaine that night or earlier — kept going, officials said. He filed a false claim with his insurance company before deciding to turn himself in three days later, officials said.
Griffin, who was 35, died of head injuries five days after she was struck. The annual Laura Griffin Memorial 5K Run/Walk was established in 1997.
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Comments
ballachulish (anonymous) says...
Dear Lord, the State Supreme Court is insane.
Since when, should a convicted felon, drug abuser and murderer be allowed to practice law.
I'm sure his mother's influence had nothing to do with his special treatment, expect the same leniency for Thomas Ravenel.
My condolences to the family of the woman he killed.
This is disgusting.
November 11, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mikell96 (anonymous) says...
Wow. If only it was that easy for others who have completed their prison sentences, and who have turned their lives around. Will the court also allow others who have done good after prison to practice law?
November 11, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
This is an outrage!
November 11, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
Our Justice System has lost touch with reality. This man drove while drunk purposely and, as a result, killed an innocent human being! He targets innocent people. That's what drunk drivers do! When will we learn? These types of offenses need to be treated like murder. So what if he "turned his life around"... his victim already had her life going in the right direction... until he turned her life around too.
November 11, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boplaw (anonymous) says...
From what I've read about Laura Griffin, I think she would have forgiven him even if the rest of the community did not.
By all accounts she was a very special person.
Rest In Peace Ms. Griffin.
November 11, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
Wow - as if the legal profession doesn't already have an image problem! I can't imagine that any clearly thinking person would retain him.
I wonder if he will a plaintiff personal injury lawyer - "have YOU been hurt in an accident because of someone else's negligence? Come see ME, and I will get you the money you deserve! Don't let them get away with it!"
November 11, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Grinder (anonymous) says...
Boplaw, you are absolutely correct about Laura Griffin. As for the other comments, I don't know Evans, don't know how the years may have changed him, but he may NOW be of one of the best characters and have as much integrity as any in the law profession. That bespeaks the profession more than the man.
November 11, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Interesting that most felons carry that label for life, often can never get another decent job, and never actually fully pay for their crime. Then every once in awhile a felon is made whole and takes up life again with only a mere delay. What is the difference between doctors and lawyers versus carpenters and cooks. Could it be how much you got or who you know.
November 11, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LI58 (anonymous) says...
Okay, so if a police officer committed several felonies and served his time in jail, it would then be okay for him to get recertified as a law enforcement officer to protect and serve a neighborhood from others breaking the law?
I DON'T THINK SO!
November 11, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
i1455 (anonymous) says...
Thats a fine example of the good old boy system at work in this city. Even a New York born scumbag can make things happen for his scumbag lawyer friends. Whats next for Mr.Savage?
November 11, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
Ok lets see if I got this right, he was drinking beer doing drugs al night drives home on the way kills a sweet lady while she is jogging he gets 8 years and after gets his law license back. Think about it people he must be one HELL of a lawyer. God help us all. I hope he does not go into Politics.
Also to any here who are VETERENS Thank you for all you have done.
November 11, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tulane75 (anonymous) says...
The victim's mother, with whom Evans corresponded while in prison, informed the local media that she does not oppose reinstatement and has expressed to Evans her desire that he return to the practice of law.
I'm not sure I understand the attack on Andy Savage. Apparently, it is for working hard and being a skilled litigator.
Concerning the more general lawyer bashing comments, there is no other profession, with the possible exception of medicine, where the members give so much of their time, uncompensated, in the pursuit of the public's interest.
Whether you agree with reinstatement or not, the attacks on all lawyers are neither fair nor warranted.
November 11, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
keepinitreal (anonymous) says...
So let me try to equate this.... since he's been rehabilitated and reinstated, this means that teachers who have slept with students and served their time, will also be allowed to teach again?
November 11, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigSargeofSC (anonymous) says...
I just don't think there are words enough to discribe how wrong the Supreme Court is in their actions. Felony hit and run, felony DUI, kills a person, and still gets to practice law?
Granny, you're welcome.
November 11, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
Tulane75, we, the general public, never see or hear from the good lawyers. I'm sure there are many of them out there. The only lawyers we see on a daily basis are the high profile lawyers that work to get non-guilty verdicts for obviously guilty individuals (all in the name of making money) and the goof ball ambulance chasers like "I'm attorney Bill Green". That's why lawyers get a bad rep.
November 11, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
commonsence (anonymous) says...
Correction GOS...he got 25 years but was allowed to serve only 8 for taking a life.
In its Nov. 6 ruling, the Supreme Court said, "The seriousness of the misconduct committed by petitioner (Evans) cannot be overstated." And this earns him the right to be relicensed? (shaking my head)
November 11, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Only in America, Politico's and lawyers literally get away with murder.....maybe next time around he'll kill an entire family on one of his drunken binges.
November 11, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hillbilly (anonymous) says...
You paid your debt...now enjoy the rest of your life.
November 11, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charleston1960 (anonymous) says...
Let me get this right.
He goes on a drinking and drug binge.
He gets in his car while heavily intoxicated,
He runs a girl over and kills her.
He runs from the scene.
He files a false claim with his insurance in trying to cover up his part in her death.
He turns himself in three days later (sober of course).
He pleads guilty to felony DUI and gets 25 years in prison.
He has a reduced sentence because he served 9 years and paid $16,686 in fines.
He gets his right to practice law back.
Now let me see,
Laura gets a death sentence for being in the right and doing good things with her life.
It all makes sense now!
The state supreme court is filled with pompous idiots.
The courts sure have come a long way! Whoever appointed this asinine court needs to be commended for their FAILED appointments. This court has failed Laura Griffin.
This is just another case where the criminal gained more rights than the victim. I hope the man never gets a client to benefit from.
November 11, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
Wonder if the outcome would have been the same if he had hit and killed one of the SC Justices?
November 11, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
charleston1960 I agree but for one. He will get clients for the very reason I stated in my post, he has to be very good lawyer for him to have gotten his License back. And other crimminals will see this and go to him.
November 11, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sethook (anonymous) says...
Is this why we shouldn't let the fox guard the hen house?
November 11, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mthom72 (anonymous) says...
I knew Laura most of my life. She was my babysitter growing up and I was close to her while I attended C of C. When I first heard the news yesterday, I was so heartbroken and mad. I couldn't believe this was happening. How could someone sworn to uphold the law then commit and hide the crime (for 3 days) be allowed to practice law again?
The more I thought about it, the more I realized Laura wouldn't have wanted me to feel that way. She would have been the first to wish Mark Evans good luck with his second chance. I am trying very hard to get to that place...but it isn't coming easily for me.
If this reinstatement is a result of the "good ol' boy" network at its finest...then I hope we will all take a much closer look at our local and state reps. Maybe our recent historical election isn't the only change we need.
November 11, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
hillbilly, do you honestly think that 8 years in prison pays off the debt one incurs when one kills an innocent person through malicious, grossly negligent behavior?
I hardly think so...
November 11, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
I for some reason took hillbilly's comment as being sarcastic toward Mark V. Evans I could be wrong.
November 11, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
maybe the A'holes of the sc supreme court can have some unfortunate accidents of their own, you know like bad karma?
November 11, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
respect2all (anonymous) says...
I am glad to see that some fellow readers knew the victim. This was a real person, jogging on a real street in our town, and not that long ago. Now,the drunk driver, who sobered up and proved himself a liar and cheater (insurance fraud), is reinstated as an officer of the court? I think I need a media blackout.
November 11, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
wait til karma jumps on his back at the appropriate time.
November 11, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
Wow, my friend got life in prison for a murder charge and he wasn't even there when the guy was killed by one of his co-defendants. He's been in jail for 22 years and was recently denied parole for the 2nd time. I'm sure he would love to see this. Not condoning his actions (he helped beat up the guy but one of the co-defendants went back on his own and killed the guy later) but come on! I guess he didn't have friends in high places!
November 11, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonroots (anonymous) says...
Unbelievable! He may not have planned to hit and kill someone that night but he chose to drive while under the influence. His actions following the killing of an innocent person were planned. Just eight years and he gets his life back, doesn't make sense to me.
I realize we are suppose to forgive others but to me there are somethings that are unforgivable. I could never forgive someone who took my child away from me, never.
November 11, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mrjm (anonymous) says...
What would you all prefer? He did his time, attended all required meetings, paid the restitution...did everything the law required. Do you want him to end up homeless, no job, and resort to other means? Turning his life around is WHAT he is supposed to do...getting his life back (or some semblance) of it is the carrot we dangle in front of all offenders. He paid for it with eight years of his life...what do you think he should do now? What would make ya'll happy? What if this were your son? Would you want him to try to continue with his law career? Or should he just blow his brains out - is that what you want?
November 11, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonroots (anonymous) says...
Why not post his picture with the article? I have seen many other stories showing the public who the person is. Why is he any different than the other killers?
November 11, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
we can forgive him while he sits his azz in jail a few more years
November 11, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonroots (anonymous) says...
He took a life. Eight years is a slap on the hand. He was sentenced to 25 years and that's what he should serve.
November 11, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
at least they could throw 'em in a pen of pitballs for a bit.....at least get some pain and blood goin'
November 11, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
mrjm, exactly, when is the debt paid. The government can do nothing for the innocent blood of the victem. Punishment is truly in order. Whatever that punishment is should be the same for all under similar circumstances. For some, the poor and unimportant, the debt seldom ever is paid...no matter how much they have "turned around" and paid. I'm not advocating a forever "A" sewn to their breast; I am advocating a little more evenness for everyone.
November 11, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
serialmooner, I agree that all of the issues you brought up about bad driving are also real problems. Do they rise to the same level as drunk driving? No, I don't think so. They cause accidents and deaths and those driving problems need to be addressed, but they haven't yet risen to the drunk driving level. Cell phones will. I recently had all of my employees sign a pledge (for what that's worth) that they would not operate cell phones while driving company vehicles or on company business in a personal vehicle.
Unlike talking on a cell phone while driving, drunk driving is not a new problem that has popped up in the past few years. The anti-drunk driving campaign has been around for decades now. There is no ignorance of the problems associated with drunk driving. People fully know what can and will happen if they drive drunk. If you make the decision to drink then you should also make the decision that you will not be driving. Period. Anything else should be criminal. In my opinion, killing someone while drunk driving amounts to murder. I know that society as a whole doesn't agree with me, but that's the way I feel. Had he killed my wife and been let out of jail after serving only 8 years, I'd most likely end up in prison.
November 11, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
I believe Judge Toal has already done the hit and run thing....it's ok in SC. Evans should not be reinstated, but then again, Toal should have had to incur penalties too for all her whackey "accidents." What a joke.
November 11, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
Hey Tulane75....all those "bottom feeding" jokes about lawyers are true. Ya'll just know how to work the system. Evans and Toal are cases in point. Bob Holt was another lawyer that got away with this kind of thing too. Do others? But if the family is OK w/ it, who are we to say? I just do not believe he should be able to practice law ever again.
November 11, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singleroni (anonymous) says...
isn't this the same thing ted kennedy did?
November 11, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
No Ted's case was an accident, then he "forgot" to report the drowning
November 11, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
willbillbedamned (anonymous) says...
The posts on this article are so typical for this site. The usual suspects rant and rave and condemn, no mercy in their hearts. If Ms. Griffin's MOTHER is able to forgive, who are all of you to question her judgement??
I agree that the system needs to be changed, but y'all keep sending the same people back into office and expect a different result. Just keep voting that straight ticket, keep re-electing the people who have kept this state in a plantation mentality. FBI reported this morning that crime nationwide is down 1.4%. Crime in S.C. is up 3%, making us the most violent state in the Union (excuse the word). Don't try anything different though. Keep locking people up, brutalizing children and cutting aid to those who need it most.
November 11, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coahtrtaylor (anonymous) says...
For the first time reading the P&C post, I have to say I agree to some extent with all the post here, of course except for the one liner from hillbilly, unless it was sarcasm. I can see both sides, the anger and of course the thought that turning yourself around is what prison is supposed to be about. Rehabilitation? My dear friend was killed on his bike by a man that was on bond after killing two other people just days before, while driving drunk in both accidents without a valid license, and I wonder how will I feel when he gets out: for good behavior, overcrowding, whatever the reason that he does not serve his entire sentence. Instead of his sentence being consecutive they were concurrent, and I thought that was the worst thing we would have to deal with. But now, I'm not so sure. I assumed I would be elderly when he was released and maybe the pain would be less by then. Now, I'm not so sure. The mother seems to have forgiven Evans, should society as well? If the family can seem to find some good shouldn't we as a community? I don't know what the answer is, but I have many mixed emotions on this verdict.
What is the appropriate amount of time that a person serves in jail for felony DUI? I'd like to think their natural life, but then we are taught that forgiveness is divine and to hate the sin not the sinner. I'm not advocating either way just expressing my feeling.
November 11, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
Lawyers get a bad name as a profession because they fail to police their own and hold them to the same standards that they hold others.
This is a case in point.
November 11, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
The FBI like most Fed agencies are full of sheet with their numbers game. Crime is up everywhere, the 1.4% is merely reported crimes. The FBI reports what they are told to. I like one of Reagan's slogans..."Hi I'm with the Gubmint and I'm here to help"
November 11, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Did someone this a.m. not care for my opinions/comments? I no longer see it here. So let me try again!
--------------------------------------------------
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Posted on November 11 at 7:50 a.m.
To me this is pretty shocking. Cooperative? Well, I guess so at that point. An attorney delibertately and knowingly breaks the law, but is given a smack on his fingers?! I'm just too old and certainly not with the times, nor will i ever choose to be!
November 11, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
hopefully he had a violent stay at the Hilton for 7 or 8 years.
November 11, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
Just to play devil's advocate. Since there are no comments from Mr Evans in the article, what if he goes on to be one of the most successful DUI prosecutors ever? Or an advocate for victims of DUI? We only got snippets of information on the success of his request, I am sure that there is alot more to the story than what is being told here.
November 11, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
What about the simple man, who is not a lawyer but a blue-collar worker. "IF" he gets out in eight years for a felony DUI, (if he gets out that soon) do you think he can go on with his life. NO!!! If he tries, to get a job that is on his record and he is unhirable .( sure this is spelled wrong) This I know for fact. I cannot hardly place an ex felon in some jobs. So why is he any different?
He may have done his time. Nevertheless, I still feel it is not right that some like him get off with a slap and the rest have to suffer the rest of their lives. This may have come out wrong but you all get the jest of what I am trying to say.
November 11, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SeaSaw (anonymous) says...
Nancy Thurmond was killed by a drunk driver, that too was a hit & run. I think Corine Konig only received two years in prison plus five years probation, that was it. It was because Mrs. Thurmond told the Judge to not be hard on her.
November 11, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
He kills someone and gets 8 years.
Thomas Ravenell DOES 1000's of dollars worth of cocaine and gets 6 months.
Young black teenager sells $50 worth of crack and gets 25 years. WOW!!
...and Im not trying to be racial just trying to tell of the discrepancy in our drug laws. Criminal Justice system needs some type of overview dont you think??
November 11, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
ggrannyof7 - I do get the jist of what you are saying but the article did not say that he had a job, just that he was able to get his license back. I would imagine, however, that with his education that he might be able to present himself better than alot of ex-cons who are from a more disadvantaged segment of society. I would also imagine that he will have a very hard time getting a firm to hire him given his background and notariety.
November 11, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
You may be right jerry, But what happens if he opens his own office. He can become an ambulance chaser and make big bucks. Hell some people do not read the news and may even hire him for what ever. (Talking lay persons here) I am not saying he should not have a chance. However, I do not see the fairness in it. As others have stated. It seems those with money (not saying he is rich but better off then most) get a better chance then those with less. JMO
November 11, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blaze (anonymous) says...
The Order:
http://www.sccourts.org/courtOrders/d...
November 11, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kerry (anonymous) says...
Posted by wonderdog on November 11, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow - as if the legal profession doesn't already have an image problem! I can't imagine that any clearly thinking person would retain him.
I agree with you entirely wonderdog, but what "clearly thinking" person ever really needs a lawyer anyway?
November 11, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
By the same token he could open up a house painting business and make a significant amount of money doing that as well. A partner of my father in a real estate venture made his fortune as a painting contractor and got into buying commercial real estate. After he did some very dumb things with money should have been paid in taxes he went completely bankrupt. To the point that he had to move from his 5000 sqft house into a 900 sqft rental. He went back to painting houses again (a business he knew far better than commercial real estate) and within a few years he was back in another nice big house and on the right track financially.
It is not to say that it right wrong but he has done what the state has asked him to do as punishment, he is now free and the victim's family did not protest him being reinstated as an attorney. I don't believe that if he threw his shingle out that he would be making a fortune anytime in the near future. But, if he does, so what? He will have to create his opportunities like anyone else in his predicament.
I would imagine that if I were opposing counsel (I am not an attorney by the way) that I would have an easy time of discrediting him if he were chasing ambulances. He might be able to go into an area of law that will be altruistic and do some good and since he has the training why not let him?
November 11, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
Killers should not get these type of second chances.
November 11, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Who was that drunk driving female who killed someone earlier this year or late last year who got NO PRISON TIME and just PROBATION? Why was she treated so differently?
So this ruling by Troll .. I mean "Toal" says you can be a CONVICTED FELON and be an officer of the court. This also says in SC you can be a convicted FELON and hold an office of PUBLIC TRUST. But we already have alcoholics and politicians who drive drunk in office. What else is new?
November 11, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Hey!! I just figured it all out!!! Jeal Toal was caught drunk driving and GOT OFF TOO!!!!
November 11, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Yeah ... I remember this case now. They found parts of Evan's car in the road indicating Giffen was jogging IN the road at dark. Not on the sidewalk as prosecutors claimed.
November 11, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
Tides - maybe there is a difference between drunk driving, killing someone and fleeing the scene, and then not fleeing the scene and immediately owning up to the remorse that any human being should feel as soon as the hit and run happens. I'm not sure. Maybe that's why she got no prison time. Did she flee?
"The state Supreme Court has reinstated the law license of Charleston attorney Mark V. Evans, who served nearly eight years in prison for the DUI hit-and-run death of Laura Griffin, director of the College of Charleston's substance abuse prevention program."
-how big of a paradox is this? It's ridiculous.
November 11, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
kontact- I see your point. But I really think its more of a "haves" vs the "have nots". Like the saying goes, "Money talks and bull shiat walks". Its not right, but so often true.
November 11, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
coolfreak-You are so right!
November 11, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
http://www.sccourts.org/courtOrders/d...
In the Matter of Mark V. Evans
Quote: [:] While we appreciate the Committee's reluctance to recommend petitioner's reinstatement in light of the seriousness of his misconduct, especially given the lack of precedent (LACK OF PRECEDENT) for such action, we find, after consideration of the totality of the circumstances in this case, most importantly petitioner's actions in turning his life around since his incarceration, that the seriousness of petitioner's misconduct should not preclude his reinstatement.
So now ya got ya "precedent"-as da lady said, I'll drink ta dat.
Does anyone besides me see the specter of a conflict of interest in having a judge with a published drinking history signing off on such a potentially self serving order?
November 12, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
http://www.sccourts.org/courtOrders/d...
In the Matter of Mark V. Evans
Quote: Accordingly, we hereby reinstate petitioner to the practice of law in this state subject to the following conditions, which must be met for the next two years:
1. Petitioner shall continue with the twelve-step program administered by AA or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), including attending five AA or NA meetings per week, for a minimum period of two years. Petitioner shall at all times during the two year period have a sponsor to guide him through the program. Petitioner's sponsor -- shall --, for a period of two years, file quarterly reports with ODC setting forth petitioner's -- progress in the twelve-step program -- and verifying petitioner's attendance at the required meetings.
No doubt Mark Evans agrees to his -- progress -- in the 12 Step program of A.A. being disclosed-as a means of keeping his law license.
However, I have my doubts that his sponsor could agree to participate in this disclosure order because of A.A. Policy.
Also seems there was a U.S. District Court case (possibly 4th circuit) some time within the past ten years that put -- absolute confidentiality -- on communication between A.A. sponsors and participants.
So I do question the validity of this agreement. Evans and his sponser agreed -- BUT -- did A.A. agree?
November 12, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
And then there was also a weird specter of special privilege for Evans in 1998:
http://www.sccourts.org/opinions/disp...
Ex parte First Charleston: State v. Mark Evans, Appeal From Charleston County, LARRY R. PATTERSON (emphasis added), Judge, January 12, 1998.
Patterson was VACATED on his order.(I don't know where that boy Patterson was found -- but he needs to be returned to his keepers post haste.)
November 12, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigwhip (anonymous) says...
Lilly, I always appreciate your posts, but can you explain the "vacated" statement. Also, as an attorney, can you verify that of all the professional licenses held by individuals, only an attorney can never have his/her license permanently revoked? I had a brief association with Evans some years back and know he was an unstable personality. I will visit the site you put up.
November 12, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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