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An Oklahoma attorney suspended for 18 months without a hearing has filed a federal lawsuit challenging what he calls an unconstitutional attack on free speech. Ronald Durbin, whose investigative reporting exposed a drunk driving judge and other alleged corruption, was suspended by the Oklahoma Supreme Court based entirely on written submissions with no opportunity to defend himself.
The Suspension That Violated Due Process
The Oklahoma Bar Association filed an emergency motion in April 2024 seeking Durbin's immediate suspension. Within days, the Oklahoma Supreme Court granted the request without conducting a hearing or allowing Durbin to present evidence in his defense. The suspension order reveals the court relied solely on allegations from the very organization seeking to remove Durbin's license.
The court's own findings show the weakness of their case. Rather than citing specific evidence, the order repeatedly states that "the OBA reports" and "complaintant alleges" various misconduct. No witnesses testified. No evidence was presented for cross-examination. The entire proceeding violated basic due process rights that even apply to driver's license suspensions.
What Really Triggered the Legal Retaliation
The suspension order reveals the true reason for targeting Durbin. The court found he "disparages judges, the judiciary, opposing counsel, the OBA, and anyone with opposing views" through his Facebook broadcasts. He was accused of making "disparaging remarks" about police officers and state officials, "disrupting the peace" while requesting public records, and using "profanity laced" language about the legal system.
These activities describe constitutionally protected journalism and free speech. Durbin's reporting led to actual disciplinary action against Judge Sharon Holmes, who received a private reprimand for drunk driving with her grandchild in the car. His exposure of judicial misconduct resulted in consequences for the officials involved, not fabricated scandals.
The Federal Court Challenge Begins
This week, Durbin filed an application for injunctive relief in federal court, demanding his law license be restored while the constitutional issues are resolved. Unlike the state proceedings that suspended him, Durbin requested a full hearing where both sides can present evidence and arguments.
The federal lawsuit argues the suspension violates the First Amendment's protection of free speech and press freedom, as well as the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of due process. The case could set precedent for whether state bar associations can punish attorneys for exposing government corruption through citizen journalism.
A Pattern of Intimidation Emerges
The timing of Durbin's suspension raises additional concerns. Bar association officials attempted to have him removed from the state capitol rotunda while they were lobbying legislators. When capitol security informed them Durbin had every right to be there, the officials left. Within weeks, the emergency suspension was filed.
The process server who delivered the federal lawsuit reported that Oklahoma Supreme Court staff were well aware of Durbin's supporters who had called requesting his reinstatement. Court personnel dismissed the calls as fake, claiming Durbin's following was manufactured. The federal case will test whether grassroots pressure can overcome institutional retaliation.
The Constitutional Stakes That Remain Unresolved
Durbin's case represents more than one attorney's fight against professional sanctions. If state licensing boards can punish lawyers for criticizing government officials, the precedent could extend to other licensed professionals who expose wrongdoing. The outcome will determine whether constitutional rights survive when they conflict with professional gatekeeping.
The federal judge must now decide whether to grant emergency relief while the broader constitutional issues play out in court. The ruling could restore Durbin's license immediately or leave him suspended indefinitely as the case proceeds through federal litigation.
Watch the complete breakdown of the suspension order and federal response that could reshape attorney free speech rights.
