Alton lawyer gives up law licence

May 22--ALTON -- An Alton attorney facing felony drug charges and discipline from a state agency has voluntarily given up his law license.

The Illinois Supreme Court earlier this month approved Brad Hunt's motion to give up his license.

Hunt is well-known for defending drug suspects and others. He was charged last August with two felony counts of unlawful production of marijuana plants and a count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of marijuana. The charges are still pending.

He was already facing disciplinary action for allegedly keeping $60,000 for his own use. The money was supposed to be placed in a trust fund for his client in case any further litigation was required.

The case revolved around a minor who was made disabled after being shot in 1997. An insurance company made a settlement of $200,000. A judge ordered Hunt to set up the fund for future expenses of possible litigation against the gun maker.

The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission claimed that Hunt kept that $60,000 to pay his own taxes and to a payment down on a mortgage on his own house. Shortly after the commission filed the complaint, Hunt said in a brief interview that he never received the order telling him to set up the fund.

Hunt could not be reached Thursday for comment.

Hunt was also facing discipline for practicing law when he was not on the roles of lawyers permitted to practice. The commission said he filed briefs and made court appearances after he was removed from the roles for allegedly failing to pay his license fees for 2014.

Hunt, 56, of East 12th Street, Alton, is accused of growing 24 marijuana plants in a home he owns in the 3600 block of Horn Street. He was charged last August.

An officer noticed signs of a burglary, and police said they received a tip that told them they might want to check out the basement. Police allege they found the plants in the basement.

Sanford J. Schmidt can be reached at 618-208-6446 or Twitter @SanfordSan.

___

(c)2014 The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.)

Visit The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) at www.thetelegraph.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services