BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2012)
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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: SHERYL D. GUINN, BPR # 25420
CONTACT: ELIZABETH C. GARBER
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
January 24, 2012
DAVIDSON COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On January 24, 2012, Sheryl D. Guinn, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Ms. Guinn was paid $9,000 to represent a defendant who was charged with four counts of rape of a
child, and one count of Aggravated Sexual Battery. The fee agreement was not in writing. Later, the defendant
discharged Ms. Guinn and she refused to refund any portion of the fee. Ms. Guinn asserted that the fee was
nonrefundable. However, since January 1, 2011, a nonrefundable fee must be in writing.
By the aforementioned acts, Sheryl D. Guinn, has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 (a)
(excessive fee) and 1.5 (f) (unwritten nonrefundable fee agreement) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these
violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Guinn 33882-6 rel.doc
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