Cape Girardeau lawyer suspended from practicing by Supreme Court

Cape Girardeau lawyer Derrick R. Williams Sr. was suspended from practicing law Friday by the Missouri Supreme Court for failing to comply with court rules while his license was on probation.

In May 2005, Williams was placed on probation by the state's highest court, which is responsible for disciplining attorneys. The case stated that Williams was behind on several debts when he arrived in Missouri to take up practice in 2001 and was required to file quarterly reports showing the status of all his debts. He was brought before the Supreme Court for discipline for failing to make the required reports and for claiming to have made payments that were not made.

The court found that Williams violated rules aimed at maintaining the integrity of the profession and placed him on probation for two years. In November, Wiliams sought to end his probation, a move that was opposed by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

The high court, in its order suspending Williams' license, concluded that he had violated the rules of his probation that required him to continue making quarterly reports and to remain current in his debt payments.

Neither Williams nor a representative of the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel could be reached for comment.

Williams in November filed to run for the office of state's attorney for Alexander County, Ill., but was removed from the ballot when his candidacy was challenged because he had not been licensed to practice in Illinois.

Williams is barred from seeking reinstatement for one year.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126