What duty does a Georgia lawyer have if they commit a felony?

In Georgia, a lawyer who is convicted of a felony has a specific duty to inform the State Bar of that felony conviction. This obligation stems from the ethical standards that attorneys are expected to uphold, which include maintaining integrity and ensuring that the legal profession is transparent and accountable.

Reporting a felony conviction to the State Bar allows them to take appropriate action regarding the attorney's fitness to practice law. This process is vital because a felony conviction can have serious implications for an attorney's professional conduct and ability to serve clients competently. Therefore, the primary focus of this duty is on the need to maintain the standards of the legal profession and protect clients and the public from potential harm.

While repaying clients, resigning from the bar, or hiring a criminal attorney may be relevant actions for attorneys in certain situations, none of those options fulfill the professional obligation to report a felony conviction to the State Bar, which stands as a critical ethical requirement for lawyers in Georgia.