When must a Georgia attorney inform the State Bar of a misdemeanor conviction?

In Georgia, attorneys are required to inform the State Bar of a misdemeanor conviction if it involves moral turpitude. Moral turpitude refers to conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals. Such convictions can reflect poorly on an attorney's character and fitness to practice law, and thus, the State Bar mandates disclosure to ensure that attorneys uphold high ethical standards.

Disclosure of misdemeanors that pertain to moral turpitude enables the State Bar to assess whether the attorney remains fit to practice and to take any necessary actions regarding their licensing status. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and protecting the public interest. While the other scenarios—like traffic violations, adjudicated misdemeanors, or federal crimes—may have their own reporting requirements or implications, the key principle in this context revolves around moral turpitude as a determinant for reporting obligations.