BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2013)
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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
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: H. OWEN MADDUX, BPR #515
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 14, 2013
CHATTANOOGA LAWYER SUSPENDED
On August 9, 2013, H. Owen Maddux, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was suspended for nine (9) months
by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Maddux alleging
that he committed ethical misconduct in his representation of Theodore Hayes and Nancy Hayes, plaintiffs in a
civil action regarding a business dispute with the partner of Mr. Hayesâ company. In an effort to collect money
due to the company, Mr. Maddux sent letters to customers demanding that payment be made directly to him and
that he would deposit the funds into the Court pending a resolution of the business dispute. Instead of
depositing the funds into the Court, Mr. Maddux gave the money to his client. Further, Mr. Maddux did not
notify the opposing party that the funds had been collected until after he made the distribution to his client and a
motion had been filed seeking payment of the funds into the Court.
After a full hearing, a Hearing Panel recommended that Mr. Maddux be suspended for nine (9) months.
Mr. Maddux appealed the Hearing Panelâs recommendation to the Chancery Court of Hamilton County. The
Chancery Court affirmed the Hearing Panelâs decision. Mr. Maddux appealed to the Supreme Court. The
Supreme Court affirmed the Chancery Courtâs judgment in an opinion filed on August 9, 2013.
Mr. Madduxâs actions violate the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.15(b), Safekeeping
Property; 4.1, Truthfulness and Candor in Statements to Others; and 8.4(a) and (c), Misconduct.
Mr. Maddux must comply with Section 18 of Rule 9, Rules of the Supreme Court, regarding the
obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys. Further, he is ordered to pay to the Board all expenses
and costs of this matter.
Maddux 1896-3 rel.doc
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