helton-3296-order-of-enforcement.pdf (2024)
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04/08/2024
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
IN RE: JOHN CRIS HELTON, BPR NO. 014339
An Attorney Licensed to Practice Law in Tennessee
(St. Simons Island, Georgia)
______________________________
No. M2024-00495-SC-BAR-BP
BOPR No. 2022-3296-3-EF
______________________________
ORDER OF ENFORCEMENT
This matter is before the Court upon a Petition for Discipline filed against John Cris
Helton on November 28, 2022; upon Respondentâs Answer to the Petition for Discipline
filed by Mr. Helton on March 13, 2023; upon submission of a Conditional Guilty Plea on
February 12, 2024; upon the Hearing Panelâs Order Recommending Approval of
Conditional Guilty Plea entered on February 12, 2024; upon service of the Order
Recommending Approval of Conditional Guilty Plea on Mr. Helton by the Executive
Secretary of the Board on February 12, 2024; upon consideration and approval by the
Board on March 8, 2024; and upon the entire record in this cause.
From all of which, the Court approves the Order of the Hearing Panel and adopts
the Hearing Panelâs Order Recommending Approval of Conditional Guilty Plea.
IT IS, THEREFORE, CONSIDERED, ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND
DECREED BY THE COURT THAT:
(1) John Cris Helton is hereby suspended from the practice of law for five (5)
years pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 12.2, with a four (4) year period served as an active
suspension, and the remainder served as a probationary suspension, the grant of which is
conditioned upon the following:
(a) During and throughout the one (1) year probationary period,
Respondent, at his cost, if any, shall engage a Practice Monitor
who shall be selected and approved in accordance with and
shall comply with requirements in Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, §
12.9(c). The Practice Monitor shall meet with Respondent
monthly and assess Respondentâs case load, case management,
timeliness of performing tasks, adequacy of communication
with clients, and accounting procedures. The Practice Monitor
shall provide a monthly written report of Respondentâs
progress to Disciplinary Counsel.
(2) Mr. Helton shall comply in all aspects with Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 28,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
(3) In the event Mr. Helton fails to meet or maintain any condition of probation,
probation may be revoked pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 14.2.
(4) Mr. Helton shall comply in all aspects with Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 30.4,
regarding the procedure for reinstatement.
(5) Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 31.3(d), Mr. Helton shall pay the Board of
Professional Responsibility the expenses and costs incurred to date by the Board in this
matter, including any filing fee assessed by the Court, in the amount of $1,675.00. All
costs, fees, and expenses awarded or assessed herein shall be paid within ninety (90) days
of the entry of this Order for which execution, if necessary, may issue.
(6) The Board of Professional Responsibility shall cause notice of this discipline
to be published as required by Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 28.11.
(7) Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 28.1, this Order shall be effective upon
entry.
PER CURIAM
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