Frank Alfred Baker, attorney and board member of the now-defunct Coastal Community Investments of Panama City Beach, was found guilty in May on eight felony fraud counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, making false statements to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and causing a false claim to be filed against the
The Florida Bar suspended Baker for his role until July 4. Generally, after a lawyer is convicted of committing a felony, the bar pursues disbarment, though a spokeswoman could not state if this would be their goal for Baker.
“While he is suspended, he cannot practice law and the bar will move forward with a discipline case against him,” said Susannah Lyle, spokeswoman for the Florida Bar. “Generally, when there is a felony conviction, disbarment is the presumption.”
The bar announced Monday the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders disciplined 27 attorneys, disbarring seven and suspending 14. Baker was among those suspended June 5 for 30 days.
The time “allows the person time to close their practice and protect clients’ rights,” Lyle said.
After that, the bar will look into disbarment.
In 2013, of the 96,559 lawyers certified by
Disbarred lawyers may not reapply for admission for five years. They are required to go through an extensive process that rejects many who apply. It includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam. Historically, less than 5 percent of disbarred lawyers seek readmission, but that could be the least of Baker’s worries as his July 17 sentencing approaches.
While he and the other two men involved in Coastal Community Investment — Terry Dubose, 66, president and CEO; and Elwood “Woody” West, 40, chief financial officer and shareholder — are free on bond until then, each faces up to 30 years in prison.
The additional count against Baker of causing a false claim to be filed against the