I previously noted the strange case of Carolyn Barnes, the local lawyer who was accused of shooting at a census worker, found incompetent to stand trial, sent to the state hospital in Kerrville, and yet retains her license to practice law and is representing at least one client.
Yes. Well. There’s an update to the story:
A Williamson County judge on Friday refused to prevent an attorney locked up in a state psychiatric facility from continuing to practice law.
The judge’s position actually kind of makes sense to me:
“Ms. Barnes is, as of this moment, a licensed member of the bar,” he said. “It wouldn’t be appropriate of me to unilaterally decide if she’s competent to act as an attorney.”
He added that the State Bar of Texas, which is responsible for licensing attorneys, was conducting its own investigation into Barnes’ capability to practice. The organization has the power to bar an attorney from practicing due to a disability — physical or mental — but rarely does so.
Meanwhile, the whole issue may become moot, as the Statesman also reports Ms. Barnes is moving closer to being declared competent to stand trial.