Opinion ID: 1060950
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: There is an overwhelming need

Text: for deterrence in this case. . . . We must deter individuals from unlawfully engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. If 5 this defendant were placed on diversion, other citizens may be encouraged to practice law without a license. Other individuals may receive a false message that, if detected engaging in the practice of law without a license, the punishment is minimal. We cannot send a message to this community that a defendant will not be punished if that defendant has the financial wherewithal to “buy his way out of trouble.” We shall not send a message that the Attorney General condones a defendant’s intentionally lying to a Judge . . . . In making this decision to reject the defendant’s diversio n application, I have considered that Mr. Pinkham is a 50 year old man with no criminal record. I have considered his exemplary social history. I have considered that Mr. Pinkham appears to be a leader in his community, as evidenced by the character and reference letters from lawyers, teachers, professors, ministers, doctors, et al. I have considered all of the parameters of Mr. Pinkham’s social, family, p e r s onal, educational an d professional background. I have weighed all those factors in deciding whether the interests of justice would be served best by placing Mr. Pinkham on diversion. I have concluded that the interests of the public substantially outweigh the interests of the defendant. Since Mr. Pinkham is a highly educated person who holds a law degree, Mr. Pinkham knew that his conduct was unlawful and unethical. Unquestionably, Mr. Pinkham made a deliberate choice to violate the law. Having violated the criminal laws of the State of Tennessee, Mr. Pinkham made an unconscionable decision to engage in a continual pattern of deception and dishonesty. Mr. Pinkham deliberately chose to engage in systematic and continual pattern of criminal activity . . . . 6 Sadly, Mr. Pinkham’s actions demonstrate a continuation of the unethical, unprofessional and illegal conduct which caused him to lose his California Law license. After considering and weighing all the factors enumerated above, I must deny the application for diversion of Charles A. Pinkham, Jr. . . .