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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
FA24: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
AMENDED RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: ERIN DANIELLE BRYSON, #031049
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 17, 2020
STEWART COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 14, 2020, Erin Danielle Bryson, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Ms. Bryson is an Assistant District Attorney in Stewart County. At a preliminary hearing, on April 7,
2017, an investigator employed by the Stewart County Sherriffâs Office leaned over to Ms. Bryson while the
hearing was proceeding and told her that he had samples of the evidence at issue âin my car.â On direct
examination, she asked the investigator if he had samples of the evidence, and he testified âI do. Thatâs being
held in evidence.â On cross examination, defense counsel asked where the samples were, and the investigator
testified âcurrently in the sheriffâs office. . . [i]n the evidence . . . room.â
After the hearing, Ms. Bryson checked with the sheriffâs office and determined the evidence was not in
the evidence room. On April 11, 2017, the investigator prepared an amended âInvestigative Reportâ which
explained his incorrect testimony. On April 28, 2017, Ms. Bryson prepared a memorandum to her file about the
investigatorâs testimony. She received the transcript of the hearing on June 13, 2017. On October 23, 2017,
Ms. Bryson extended by email a settlement offer to one defendant with a copy of her April 28, 2017,
memorandum.
Ms. Bryson did not inform opposing counsel of the false testimony of the investigator for six months,
and she did not inform the tribunal at any time. Ms. Bryson is in violation of Rule 3.3(h) (candor to the
tribunal), which requires an attorney to âpromptly report the improper conduct to the tribunalâ; and Rule 3.8(d)
(special responsibilities of a prosecutor) in failing to âtimelyâ disclose to the defense information known to her
which âtendsâ to âmitigate[ ] the offense.â Ms. Bryson is also in violation of Rule 8.4(d) (prejudice to the
administration of justice).
By these acts, Erin Danielle Bryson has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3(h) (candor to the
tribunal), 3.8(d) (special responsibilities of a prosecutor) and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice)
and is hereby Publicly Censured for these acts.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Bryson 56933-6 rel2.doc