LOS ANGELES — Walter Ryan Haybert, a Los Angeles attorney, was recently disbarred by the State Bar Court of California. The discipline was enacted after the attorney violated a restraining order his ex-wife had filed against him and was convicted of the misdemeanor crime.
The courts decision was issued on Feb. 4.
Court documents state that on the evening of June 21, 2014, Haybert entered his ex-wife’s home to collect his personal items despite the fact that he had been served a protective order that required him to stay at least 100 feet away from his former spouse at all times.
When his ex-wife encountered him, she demanded he leave and he refused. She then contacted authorities. She proceeded to tell the officers that Haybert had violated the order several times prior to the incident. When officers arrived, they found him sitting on a hill less than 100 feet away from the home.
The attorney allegedly smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking before informing officers that he was aware of the restraining order, but that it was for a different address. The responding officers clarified that the restraining order was to be obeyed no matter where his ex-wife was.
Haybert pleaded no contest to the charges and was found guilty. The attorney’s criminal sentencing included 36 months of probation, and he was ordered to obey the protective order, complete a domestic violence course and attend twice weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
For the state bar disciplinary proceedings, a default was entered on Haybert’s behalf due to failure to respond to the notice of disciplinary charges. As a result, disbarment was recommended and ordered.
The 41-year-old attorney was admitted to the California State Bar in 2008 after graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law. Haybert has also been licensed to practice in the state of Illinois since 2006. It is uncertain if the Illinois State Bar will take similar disciplinary action.