BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2024)
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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: JOHN CRIS HELTON, BPR #014339
CONTACT: ERIC A FULLER
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 8, 2024
TENNESSEE LAWYER SUSPENDED
Effective April 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended John Cris Helton from the practice
of law for five (5) years, with four (4) years to be served as an active suspension pursuant to Tennessee Supreme
Court Rule 9, Section 12.2, and the remainder to be served on probation conditioned upon Mr. Heltonâs
engagement of a practice monitor.
A Petition for Discipline was filed alleging Mr. Helton failed to file required federal income tax returns
for several years and willfully attempted to avoid his tax liabilities. After the United States Internal Revenue
Service initiated civil litigation against Mr. Helton to recover approximately $400,000.00 in owed income taxes,
Mr. Helton filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection, asserting that this Internal Revenue Service lien should be
discharged. The federal bankruptcy court determined that the tax debt was non-dischargeable because the failure
to pay was willful and intentional. On appeal, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court ruling.
Mr. Helton executed a Conditional Guilty Plea acknowledging his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of
Professional 8.4(c)(misconduct).
Mr. Helton must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
Helton 3296-3 rel.doc