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Well-known civil rights lawyer disbarred for tax evasion
Los Angeles-based lawyer Stephen Yagman (R) displays an Oscar statuette during a press conference to publicize his client Anthony Hart's (L) federal civil rights action against LAPD chief Bernard Parks, head of the Acadamy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Robert Rehme, and Roadway Express, 06 April, 2000 in Venice, CA.
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Well-known civil rights lawyer disbarred for tax evasion
Well-known civil rights lawyer disbarred for tax evasion
The California State Bar has stripped Los Angeles-based civil rights lawyer Stephen Yagman of his law license. Yagman sued local and federal law enforcement agencies countless times, before his conviction on tax evasion charges three years ago.
To many activists who challenged police abuse, Stephen Yagman was a hero who helped push police agencies to change. Over two decades, the Venice attorney repeatedly sued the Los Angeles Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies on behalf of brutality victims.
His colorful and outspoken criticism drew the ire of police and prosecutors. Yagman once called former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates “the personification of evil.” In one case, he sued the federal government on behalf of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephen R. Reinhardt, one of the court's most liberal justices, once said "Yagman's vigilance in the protection of his clients' constitutional rights served all citizens."
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That was before a federal jury convicted Yagman of 19 felony counts of tax evasion, bankruptcy fraud and money laundering in 2007. The state bar placed him on interim suspension because it was a felony and a crime of "moral turpitude."
Its latest action permanently prohibits Yagman, 66, from practicing law in California.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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