John Eastman California Bar

California Judge Finds Trump Attorney John Eastman Likely Committed Felonies

Judge's Ruling Sets Stage for Possible Disbarment

Eastman Indicted in Federal Investigation

A California judge has preliminarily found that John Eastman, a former attorney for former President Donald Trump, likely committed felonies related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In a 128-page ruling, California State Bar Court Hearing Judge Yvette D. Palazuelos found that Eastman "acted with corrupt intent" and "intended to influence the outcome of the election" by drafting memos that outlined a plan to pressure state legislatures to overturn their election results and appoint electors who would support Trump. Eastman, who once served as the dean of Chapman University's law school, has been indicted in a separate federal investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the election. He has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. The State Bar's findings come as Eastman's bar trial resumes. The State Bar is seeking to disbar Eastman, arguing that his actions violated ethical rules and constituted a "grave threat to the public interest."

Eastman's attorneys have argued that he was simply doing his job as an attorney and that his actions were protected by the First Amendment. They have also accused the State Bar of bias against Trump and his allies.

The judge's ruling is a significant blow to Eastman's defense. It sets the stage for a possible disbarment, which would effectively end his legal career.

The ruling also sends a strong message to other attorneys who may be tempted to engage in similar conduct. It makes clear that the State Bar will not tolerate efforts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.