Thomas’ Attorney Appeals Suspension

Alabama Mobile Former judge challenges decision to suspend his law license.

by Jessica Taloney

Published: Tue, March 31, 2009 - 4:35 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, March 31, 2009 - 5:03 pm CST

Former Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Herman Thomas is challenging the Alabama State Bar's decision to suspend his law license.

Thomas' attorney, "Cowboy" Bob Clark, faxed a petition to the organization's disciplinary commission requesting the dissolution of the order.

In the petition, Clark says "there are no times, dates or places alleged in the notice of suspension that would put Petitioner on notice of what the charges are that he is called to defend."

Clark also claims all of the alleged actions occurred at least five years ago.

The State Bar suspended Thomas' license Monday, three days after the former judge was arrested on 57 counts of kidnapping, sodomy, sexual abuse, extortion and ethics violations. Thomas, who was indicted last week by a Mobile County grand jury, is accused of receiving sexual favors from Mobile Metro jail inmates in exchange for leniency in court.

According to the two page order, evidence submitted to the organization "establishes probable cause to believe that Herman Young Thomas has engaged in improper sexual conduct with criminal defendants in violations of the law and the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct." But, Clark insists the affiant cited in the order does not have first hand knowledge of any of the incidents. "The only knowledge the affiant has is hearsay from convicted felons," Clark wrote in the petition.

Thomas is charged with 57 counts of kidnapping, sodomy, sexual abuse, extortion and ethics violations, but he could also face federal charges.

Thomas resigned from the bench in October 2007 when the allegations first surfaced. He was booked Friday in Mobile Metro jail, but quickly posted bond. His first court appearance has not been scheduled, according to the court clerk.

A hearing on the suspension of Thomas' law license will be scheduled within seven days.

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JOESPKN Says:

Wed, Apr 01, 2009 at 11:53 am

I hear there is going to be a “SPANK-IN” Saturday morning at the courthouse.

bamafan Says:

Wed, Apr 01, 2009 at 4:38 am

I just don’t seem to understand why this has taken so long. I know things are backed up downtown but this is redeculous. I agree with the Great1. Why did he resign if he wasn’t guilty of something. Surely if you are in the right, an attorney or better yet, a judge wouldn’t you be more inclined to prove your innocence. Instead of throwing up your hands and surrendering.

Great1 Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 6:03 pm

It appears he hasn’t got anything to lose. He may be able to prolong jail time just by doing crazy things. I’m sure he has seen lots of tricks from his time as a judge.

BamaBob Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:58 pm

I wonder how well that would work. Spanking judge picks craziest lawyer in Mobile and then claims his lawyer was crazy. lol

Great1 Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Now he will have the incompetent lawyer defense to use for an appeal after he is convicted.

BamaBob Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:49 pm

I would be a little worried if the best my lawyer could do is try to play the race card and then claim right-wing Republicans were out to get the guy. Especially when the D.A. is a Democrat! geezzzzzz

Great1 Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 4:40 pm

I still wonder why he resigned if he isn’t guily as he claims. He must have done something wrong.