A California judge has recommended disbarment for John Eastman, former lawyer for ex-president Donald Trump, over allegations that he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election outcome.
Facing 11 misconduct charges from the State Bar of California, Eastman is accused of advocating an unsupported strategy to obstruct the electoral vote count, aimed at keeping Trump in power.
Judge Yvette Roland of the State Bar Court of California recommended Eastman's disbarment, pending a ruling from the California Supreme Court.
Eastman's attorney, Randall Miller, maintains that Eastman's actions were based on legal precedent and constitutional research.
The State Bar has placed Eastman on "involuntary inactive status," barring him from practicing law in California during the case's consideration.
Eastman, also facing criminal charges in Georgia alongside Trump, argues that his activities post-2020 election were protected by the First Amendment.
The State Bar's chief trial counsel, George Cardona, asserts that Eastman abandoned his legal duties by obstructing the electoral vote count on January 6, 2021, and threatening the peaceful transfer of power. Cardona argues that Eastman's actions justify disbarment, as they undermined democracy and eroded public trust in government.
In a closing brief, the State Bar maintained that Eastman's actions were a serious misuse of his license, contributing to the Capitol attack and seeking to disenfranchise voters.
They argue that disbarment is the only appropriate outcome, as Eastman has shown no remorse and would repeat his misconduct if given the chance.