CHAPTER 84. UNAUTHORIZED ATTORNEY COMPENSATION
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH
SUBTITLE G. ATTORNEYS
CHAPTER 84. UNAUTHORIZED ATTORNEY COMPENSATION
Sec. 84.001. PROHIBITED ACTS. Before the conclusion of all
aspects of a criminal matter that gives rise to an attorney's
employment, an attorney may not make or negotiate an agreement
with a client, a prospective client, or former client that
provides the attorney literary or media rights to a portrayal or
account based in substantial part on information relating to the
representation.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 982, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1997.
Sec. 84.002. CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense
if, while acting as an attorney, the person agrees to accept as
compensation for legal advice provided by the person in a
criminal matter the right to publish, in print, film, or
otherwise, the account of a crime or the events associated with a
crime.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 982, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1997.
Sec. 84.003. CIVIL LIABILITY. (a) A person, including the
victim of a crime or the estate of a victim of a crime, may bring
suit against an attorney whose violation of Section 84.001
results in damages incurred by the person bringing the suit.
(b) A person who brings suit under this section is entitled to
recover:
(1) actual damages caused to the person bringing the suit by the
publication of the account of the crime;
(2) exemplary damages in an amount determined by the court;
(3) reasonable attorney's fees; and
(4) court costs.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 982, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1997.
Sec. 84.004. CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. This chapter is cumulative of
other law under which a person may obtain judicial relief. An
administrative, civil, or criminal action brought against an
attorney based on a violation of this chapter does not limit or
restrict another action against the attorney by the same or
another person.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 982, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1997.