California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §6131: Every attorney is guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the punishment prescribed therefor, shall be disbarred: (a) Who directly or indirectly advises in relation to, or aids, or promotes the de

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Attorneys who represent defendants in cases they helped prosecute, or who have conflicts of interest with prosecutors, are guilty of misdemeanor and subject to disbarring.

Read the full statutory text
Every attorney is guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the punishment prescribed therefor, shall be disbarred: (a) Who directly or indirectly advises in relation to, or aids, or promotes the defense of any action or proceeding in any court the prosecution of which is carried on, aided or promoted by any person as district attorney or other public prosecutor with whom such person is directly or indirectly connected as a partner. (b) Who, having himself prosecuted or in any manner aided or promoted any action or proceeding in any court as district attorney or other public prosecutor, afterwards, directly or indirectly, advises in relation to or takes any part in the defense thereof, as attorney or otherwise, or who takes or receives any valuable consideration from or on behalf of any defendant in any such action upon any understanding or agreement whatever having relation to the defense thereof. This section does not prohibit an attorney from defending himself in person, as attorney or counsel, when prosecuted, either civilly or criminally.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.