BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2007)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
of the
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
1101 KERMIT DRIVE, SUITE 730
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
MELVIN J. WERNER, BPR #15909
CONTACT: LAURA L. CHASTAIN
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
January 26, 2007
MEMPHIS ATTORNEY PUBLICLY CENSURED
Melvin J. Werner, a Memphis attorney, was publicly censured by the Board of Professional
Responsibility on January 24, 2007.
The Court of Criminal Appeals reported to the Board of Professional Responsibility that Werner
used procedures during an appeal that permit the filing of a Motion by facsimile. Attendant with this procedure
is a facsimile filing charge which must be paid within ten (10) days of filing. Werner failed to remit the
payment and by order entered June 19, 2006, Werner was ordered to pay within fourteen (14) days of the Order.
Werner failed to respond. The Court then ordered Werner to appear and show cause why he should not be held
in contempt. On September 12, 2006, Werner appeared and paid the money due to the clerk. The Court found
âMelvin J. Werner has willfully failed to comply with the previous order of this Courtâ and âfailed to show
cause why he should not be held in willful contempt of this Courtâ. The Court held Werner in willful contempt
and fined him $50.00.
The Board of Professional Responsibility concluded that Werner violated Rules 3.4(c) and
8.4(a)(d) of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. The Board publicly censured Werner and closed the
file.
The censure declares Wernerâs actions to be improper ethical conduct, but does not limit
Wernerâs right to practice law.
Werner 29517-9 rel.doc
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