Texas Legislator Guilty Of Misdemeanors in Ambulance Chasing Scheme

A Texas legislator accused in an ambulance chasing scheme has been found guilty of six counts of misdemeanor solicitation of professional employment, a lesser charge than the felony barratry charge he faced.

A Montgomery County jury found state Rep. Ron Reynolds guilty. The punishment phase continues Monday. The Missouri City Democrat faces up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Reynolds, a lawyer elected on Nov. 4 to a third term, had denied violating the Texas law prohibiting lawyers from soliciting clients that is sometimes called ambulance chasing.

Lawyers are prohibited from soliciting clients for personal injury, wrongful death, accident or disaster claims.

Defense attorney Vivian King tells the Houston Chronicle she thought he should have been found not guilty, adding, “I still believe there was no intent.”