BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2026)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: ROBERT BRIAN DEBUSK, BPR #035106
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 28, 2026
KNOX COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 28, 2026, Robert Brian DeBusk, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. DeBusk worked as an assistant district attorney, and he discovered an email that a defendant had sent
from jail to his attorney. This intercepted email became part of the basis for a motion to disqualify the district
attorneyâs office. Mr. DeBusk was subpoenaed to testify at the hearing on the motion to disqualify. While in the
hallway prior to testifying, Mr. DeBusk discussed the facts with an attorney not related to this matter. He was
then called to testify. When asked about the facts, Mr. DeBusk stated âI donât recallâ which was contrary to what
he had discussed in the hall. He was further pressed on his recollection, and Mr. DeBusk refused to answer by
pleading the âFifth.â Finally, Mr. DeBusk testified substantively about the facts of the matter.
By these acts, Robert Brian DeBusk has violated Rules of Professional 8.4(c) (conduct involving
dishonesty) and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these
violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
DeBusk 100698-2 rel.doc