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LOS ANGELES — The State Bar Court of California recently issued a public reproval to Carol Ruth Hamilton, a Sunland attorney, for misdemeanor criminal charges.
According to the documents released by the California State Bar on March 7, the Los Angeles Police Department received an emergency dispatch to the attorney’s resident on Feb. 9, 2016. Hamilton’s friend had called 911, claiming that the attorney was suicidal and had mixed alcohol with prescription drugs. The friend informed authorities that Hamilton had fallen into a deep depression due to her crippling debt.
Police officers arrived at the attorney’s home but were unable to advance past the security gate. Shortly thereafter, Hamilton was spotted getting into her vehicle despite her inebriated state. She drove approximately two miles from her home while police were in pursuit.
Hamilton eventually came to a complete stop and officers approached her car. They cut the ignition, engaged the emergency brake, and ordered the attorney to exit the vehicle. She refused to comply, but the officers were able to remove her hands from the steering wheel and put her in handcuffs. A pat down ensued where Hamilton allegedly kicked one of the officer’s thigh.
On March 2, 2016, criminal complaints were filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Hamilton was charged with fleeing from a police officer and battery of a peace officer, both misdemeanors. On Sept. 12, 2016, the attorney entered her plea.
The attorney entered into a pretrial stipulation with the state bar and was able to provide several witnesses who attested to her good character. The attorney’s license to practice will not be affected.
Hamilton is a graduate of the Glendale University College of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1996. She had no prior record of discipline in her 20-year career.