The Supreme Court of Georgia has disbarred attorney Richard Linwood Parsons due to his felony conviction related to child endangerment. The court's decision, made on July 7, 2026, follows Parsons' guilty plea in a New Jersey court and emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in the legal profession.
This ruling affects Parsons, who has been a member of the Georgia Bar since 2012, and serves as a reminder of the serious consequences attorneys face when convicted of crimes. The court's decision highlights the legal and ethical standards expected from those who practice law.
Background
Richard Linwood Parsons was a practicing attorney in Georgia until his recent legal troubles. In August 2025, Parsons pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of children in New Jersey. This conviction stemmed from allegations that he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a minor, which he believed to be fourteen years old.
The State Bar of Georgia initiated disciplinary proceedings against Parsons following his conviction, as it constituted a felony under Georgia law. The case was referred to a Special Master, who reviewed the details and recommended disbarment based on Parsons' violation of Rule 8.4(a)(2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule states that a lawyer may face disbarment if convicted of a felony.
The Ruling
The Supreme Court of Georgia reviewed the Special Master's report and agreed with the recommendation for disbarment. The court stated, "Based on the record before this Court, we conclude that disbarment is appropriate in this case." This ruling reflects the court's stance on maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
The Special Master had noted that Parsons' criminal actions were serious and involved a violation that could lead to significant harm. The report highlighted that Parsons had cooperated during the disciplinary process and had no prior disciplinary history. However, the court emphasized that the nature of his crime warranted severe consequences.
Impact
This ruling sets a clear precedent regarding the disbarment of attorneys convicted of serious crimes, especially those involving children. The court's decision underscores the importance of protecting the public's trust in the legal system. It demonstrates that attorneys who engage in illegal conduct, particularly crimes against minors, will face strict disciplinary action.
The ruling may also influence future disciplinary actions against attorneys in similar situations. By affirming the disbarment, the court reinforces the message that the legal community must uphold high ethical standards and that violations of these standards will not be tolerated.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Parsons plans to appeal the decision. However, the ruling effectively ends his legal career in Georgia, as he has been permanently removed from the rolls of licensed attorneys in the state.