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Late-Payment Suspension Rule Rejected By Arkansas Judge

A Pulaski County judge says a court rule that suspends Arkansas lawyers who don't pay their annual dues on time is unconstitutional.

Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen ruled Wednesday in a case involving Angela Byrd, who is seeking a judgeship in the 20th Judicial District.

A resident challenged Byrd's eligibility for the ballot, citing a state law that requires judges to be licensed attorneys for six years before taking office. Byrd's license was suspended for a day after she paid her dues 36 hours late.

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Griffen ruled that it was unconstitutional to suspend a lawyer's license without a hearing.

Faulkner County Circuit Judge H.G. Foster and Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox both face similar lawsuits over their eligibility for the May 20 election.

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