in the Matter of Jennifer L. Wright

In the Supreme Court of Georgia
Decided: May 23, 2016
S16Y0995. IN THE MATTER OF JENNIFER L. WRIGHT.
PER CURIAM.
This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the Report and
Recommendation of the special master, Margaret Washburn, recommending that
Jennifer L. Wright (State Bar No. 519727) be disbarred following her April 2015
guilty plea conviction in the Superior Court of Douglas County for felony
possession of Alprazolam, a Schedule IV substance, see OCGA § 16-13-30 (a), for
which she was sentenced to three years probation. Wright, who became a member
of the Bar in 2000, received a formal letter of admonition in 2012.
The special master held a hearing at which Wright and her first probation
officer testified. As found by the special master, the evidence showed that Wright
has not been compliant with the terms of her probation, including the requirement
that she participate in a substance abuse treatment program and discontinue her use
of marijuana. Additionally, the evidence also showed that Wright has a history of
arrests for driving under the influence, a failure to take responsibility for her actions
or to show remorse, a tendency to blame other people and circumstances for her
problems, and a lack of candor with a counselor conducting an alcohol and drug
abuse assessment. Together, these circumstances reflect adversely on her fitness to
practice law.
The special master concluded that Wright’s conviction constitutes a violation
of Rule 8.4 (a) (2), that Wright did not exhibit remorse or take responsibility for her
actions, but blamed others, and that Wright failed to present any credible evidence
of mitigating factors, compare In the Matter of Davis, 292 Ga. 897 (742 SE2d 734)
(2013) (24-month suspension following conviction for possession of
methamphetamine when Davis expressed remorse, took full responsibility for her
actions, was in counseling, and displayed a cooperative attitude in disciplinary
proceedings). Thus, the special master recommended that Wright be disbarred.
Having considered the record and the special master’s thorough report and
recommendation, the Court concurs that disbarment is the appropriate sanction in
this matter. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the name of Jennifer L. Wright
be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of
Georgia. Wright is reminded of her duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (c).
Disbarred. All the Justices concur.
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