On November 25, 2014, the Oklahoma Supreme Court suspended Tulsa attorney Blake Givens from the practice of law for two years.
The suspension followed two domestic violence disputes, which were fueled by Givens’ alcohol addiction.
Givens received an 18-month suspended sentence following a 2011 domestic assault and battery charge and a disturbing the peach charge involving his wife and son.
While serving his probation term for the 2011 incident, Givens became intoxicated and allegedly assaulted his son. The court ordered him to undergo counseling, random urine analysis, and to compete an AIP/DVIS program.
Givens notified the Oklahoma Bar Association of his criminal charges and the Bar opened an investigation into whether he was fit to practice law. Givens stated that he had been successful in his treatment programs and desired to continue the practice of law.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court determined that Givens was unfit to practice law given his probationary violation. The Court also took issue with the fact that Givens had relapsed several times after completing treatment.
The Court found that Gives had not demonstrated a “sustained commitment to alcohol abuse treatment.”
The Court added that the Respondent also committed several errors when filing his brief with the OBA, leading the Court to conclude that this reflected on his inability to practice law.
To read the full decision regarding Tulsa attorney Blake Givens, click here.
