The Georgia Supreme Court has disbarred attorney Timothy Michael Orange following his felony conviction. This decision affects Orange, who will no longer be able to practice law in Georgia, and underscores the serious consequences of criminal behavior for legal professionals.
The court issued its ruling on September 9, 2026, in the case titled In the Matter of Timothy Michael Orange, with docket number S26Y1709. The ruling comes after Orange entered a guilty plea for theft by taking, which is a felony under Georgia law. The court's decision highlights the importance of maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession.
Background
Timothy Michael Orange became a member of the State Bar of Georgia in October 2022. However, his legal career took a significant turn when he pleaded guilty to a felony charge in November 2025. Specifically, he entered an Alford plea, which allows a defendant to plead guilty while maintaining their innocence, to one count of theft by taking. As a result of this plea, he was sentenced to ten years of probation, fines, and ordered to pay $67,348 in restitution.
Following his guilty plea, the State Bar of Georgia initiated disciplinary proceedings against Orange under Bar Rule 4-106. This rule allows the Bar to take action against attorneys who violate professional conduct rules. After a show cause hearing, Orange decided to file a Petition for Voluntary Surrender of License. This petition was a formal request to surrender his law license, acknowledging that his felony conviction violated Rule 8.4(a)(2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.
The Ruling
The Georgia Supreme Court reviewed the recommendations from Special Master Adam M. Hames regarding Orange's petition. The court ruled to accept Orange's Petition for Voluntary Surrender of License, effectively disbarring him from practicing law in the state. The ruling stated, "Having reviewed the record, we accept the Special Master’s recommendation and, therefore, accept Orange’s Petition for Voluntary Surrender of License, which is tantamount to disbarment."
The court's decision aligns with previous cases involving similar violations. For example, in past cases such as In the Matter of Wersant and In the Matter of Jones, the court accepted voluntary surrenders of licenses under comparable circumstances. The ruling serves as a reminder of the serious repercussions that attorneys face when they are convicted of felonies.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for the legal community in Georgia. By accepting Orange's voluntary surrender, the court reinforces the principle that attorneys must adhere to high ethical standards. The decision serves as a warning to other legal professionals about the potential consequences of criminal conduct.
Furthermore, this case may set a precedent for future disciplinary actions against attorneys who face felony convictions. The court's consistent approach in handling such cases highlights its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. As a result, it may deter other attorneys from engaging in illegal activities that could jeopardize their licenses.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Timothy Michael Orange plans to appeal this decision. However, given the nature of the ruling, it is likely that he will not be able to practice law in Georgia in the foreseeable future.