Nevada Attorney Disbarred for Using Cell Phone With Inmates

A Nevada criminal defense attorney who let her clients use her cell phone in jail and pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession of a telecommunication device by a prisoner, was disbarred by the state’s highest court.

The Supreme Court of the State of Nevada rejected the state disciplinary board’s recommendation of a five-year suspension for attorney Alexis A. Plunkett, finding that the “baseline sanction” for her behavior was disbarment, which is irrevocable in the state.

The nature of Plunkett’s misconduct injured the legal profession, the court said in its Nov. 8 opinion, “but more importantly, she caused great injury to her clients.”

Her clients face additional criminal charges because of her actions and could face more jail time if convicted, it said.

“The seriousness of this injury cannot be overstated,” the court added.

Plunkett violated legal ethics rules prohibiting acts reflecting adversely on the legal profession and dishonesty and mandating “candor to the court,” it said. Plunkett made “false statements” to the state bar about her actions, the court said.

It disagreed with the board that Plunkett showed remorse for her acts and found several aggravating factors including that she was an experienced attorney and broke the law.

Plunkett’s attorney, Bret Whipple, didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

The case is In re Plunkett, 2019 BL 432481, Nev., No. 79075, 11/8/19.