For Immediate Release:
April 19, 2024
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Athens, Ala)—Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction and sentencing of a Limestone County attorney for Harassment. John Totten, 50, of Athens, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of Harassment, a Class C misdemeanor. Totten was representing a defendant accused of domestic violence and prior to a court hearing, he met the victim and the defendant and told the victim to stay at his office. Later, when the victim came to the courthouse, Totten confronted her verbally and told the victim to leave the courthouse, causing her to be fearful of showing up at the courthouse.
“Victims of domestic violence should not fear harassment from attorneys who represent their attackers,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Attorneys should especially be held to the strictest moral and ethical standards as they carry out their roles in our judicial system. Those who violate these standards will face criminal prosecution in accordance with the law.”
After pleading guilty to the misdemeanor, Totten was sentenced pursuant to the plea agreement to 90 days in the county jail, which was suspended and ordered to serve one year of probation.
Attorney General Steve Marshall commended his Criminal Trials and Investigations Divisions for their successful prosecution of this case, in particular, Deputy Attorney General John Kachelman, as well as the Investigations Unit of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office for their work in bringing this case to conclusion.
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