A significant legal development unfolds as Kenneth Chesebro, a key figure in the 2020 election aftermath, faces professional consequences for his role in the alternate electors' strategy.
According to The Hill, the Appellate Division of New York has suspended Chesebro's law license following his guilty plea in Georgia's election interference case.
The suspension comes after Chesebro admitted to a felony count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents, a charge stemming from his involvement in the post-2020 election activities.
The New York appeals court panel delivered their ruling on Thursday, emphasizing the immediate effect of the suspension. Their decision reflects the serious nature of Chesebro's admission of guilt in the Georgia case.
The appellate panel explained their decision with clear reasoning. Here is their statement:
Upon an attorney's conviction for a felony — that being either a felony offense committed in New York or a crime committed outside of New York that would constitute a felony if committed in this state — the attorney ceases to be competent to practice law.
Chesebro's legal troubles extend beyond New York, as he currently faces charges in Wisconsin related to the same electoral scheme. His cooperation with investigations has also led to interviews in Arizona and Nevada.
Chesebro played a pivotal role in developing the alternate electors' plan, which involved organizing pro-Trump elector slates in seven states won by President Biden. These states included Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
The strategy hinged on having these alternative electors claim they were "duly elected" representatives of their states, despite lacking any legal basis for such claims. This plan ultimately depended on former Vice President Mike Pence's cooperation.
The scheme reached its climax on January 6, 2021, when Pence declined to certify the pro-Trump electoral votes. Later that day, protesters stormed the Capitol in response to both the election results and Pence's decision.
Initially, Chesebro faced seven felony counts in Georgia, including a RICO charge. His guilty plea to a single felony count allowed him to avoid becoming the first defendant to go to trial in the extensive case.
The aftermath of Chesebro's guilty plea has sparked investigations and charges across multiple states. His cooperation with authorities has contributed to cases being built against various Republicans and Trump allies in different jurisdictions.
These developments have led to criminal charges being filed against several individuals in Arizona and Nevada, demonstrating the widespread impact of the alternate electors strategy.
The suspension of Chesebro's law license marks a significant professional consequence for his actions during the post-2020 election period. This development represents a direct link between political activities and professional accountability in the legal field. The New York court's decision underscores the serious nature of felony convictions for practicing attorneys, regardless of where the crimes occur. This ruling serves as a reminder of the professional standards expected from members of the legal profession.
