FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Fort Lauderdale attorney admitted to having sex with a client and then neglecting her case after the relationship ended, leading to a two-year suspension of his law license, according to the Florida Bar.
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In its monthly discipline report released Tuesday, Bar officials said Maurice DeShawn Hinton, who practiced out of an office at 333 Las Olas Way, “neglected client matters and failed to properly communicate with multiple clients.”
According to documents filed with the Florida Supreme Court, in the client-sex case, Hinton was representing a woman going through a divorce.
Investigators said he failed to communicate with her about the case after their relationship ended.
“Hinton also engaged in the practice of law while under a delinquency for membership fees and continuing legal education requirements,” Bar officials wrote. “Additionally, Hinton failed to respond to The Florida Bar during the disciplinary proceedings.”
Records show Hinton initially denied the allegations but later entered a guilty plea in disciplinary proceedings. He “must receive Florida Lawyer’s Assistance, Inc., evaluation prior to petitioning for reinstatement,” according to the Bar.
Hinton’s Florida Bar profile shows multiple prior suspensions.