ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia’s Supreme Court has determined that House Speaker David Ralston will receive a minor reprimand for violating attorney rules of conduct.
Thursday’s decision finalizes a settlement negotiated with the State Bar of Georgia.
The Bar filed the complaint in 2014 and asked the Supreme Court to appoint an official to investigate accusations that Ralston neglected a case and improperly advanced $22,000 for the client’s personal expenses.
In the settlement, Ralston admits violating two rules by making the payments. He will be reprimanded by a review panel.
State Bar rules say a panel reprimand is public but is less severe than a public reprimand by a judge in open court.
Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge, has served in the General Assembly since 2003 and as speaker since 2010.
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