Texas Government Code

CHAPTER 84. UNAUTHORIZED ATTORNEY COMPENSATION
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GOVERNMENT CODE



CHAPTER 84. UNAUTHORIZED ATTORNEY COMPENSATION



	§ 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, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.           


	§ 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, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.           


	§ 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, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.           


	§ 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, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.