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Libertarian Attorney General candidate 'DWI Dude' accused of client theft
SAN ANTONIO — More than 20 years ago, Jamie Balagia lost his police badge after allegedly testing positive for drugs and was reportedly accused of stealing evidence from the Austin Police Department.
Balagia, a San Antonio lawyer known as “The DWI Dude” who makes a living defending drunken driving and drug suspects, is now facing a fight with the State Bar of Texas.
The state bar's disciplinary arm has sued Balagia and is seeking a finding of “professional misconduct.” The Commission for Lawyer Discipline accused him of keeping $50,000 that he was supposed to give back to a client in a drug forfeiture case. He denies the allegations.
Balagia, who spent 12 years with the Austin Police Department, is now the Libertarian candidate for Texas attorney general. He is known to speak at pro-marijuana legalization events while publicly advocating for civil rights.
http://www.chron.com/news/local/article/AG-candidate-DWI-Dude-accused-of-client-theft-5513888.php#photo-6244483
