TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Former Metro Public Defender Files Suit Against Nashville Judge, BPR

Posted by: Kate Prince on Sep 3, 2020
News Type: Legal News

Former Metro Public Defender Dawn Deaner this week filed a lawsuit in federal district court against Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn and the Board of Professional Responsibility, the Nashville Post reports. Deaner, who now runs the nonprofit Choosing Justice Initiative, met with a criminal defendant seeking new representation last fall and afterward filed a request on his behalf in Blackburn’s court. That filing led to a hearing where Blackburn accused Deaner of ethical violations since the defendant was already being represented by then-court-appointed attorney Anthony Thompson. Blackburn and Thompson, who claimed Deaner’s actions “assailed” his name and reputation, both reported the incident to the BPR. The board began disciplinary proceedings against Deaner, ultimately giving her the option of completing three hours of ethics training to avoid discipline. Deaner disputed the board’s ruling in a separate filing, and this week is asking the federal district court in Nashville to enjoin the BPR from disciplining her. A Washington, D.C-based attorney representing Deaner commented on the case, saying, "the problem of retaliation against defense attorneys who attempt to challenge injustice in the criminal justice system is unfortunately very widespread.”

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