CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. — Eleventh Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley is in a tough position after a branch of the Colorado Supreme Court disbarred her last month. Stanley cannot keep her job without a law license, but she said she cannot afford to pay her legal fees and fines without her job.
In a filing to the presiding disciplinary judge, a lawyer for Stanley wrote, "The Order of Disbarment will have a profound impact on Linda Stanley’s ability to earn a livelihood. So much so that it will be very difficult for her to pay the significant costs that will undoubtedly be ordered as part of the Order for Disbarment."
Stanley's lawyers asked that a stay be imposed on her disbarment to allow her to finish her term as DA for Chafee, Fremont, Custer and Park Counties. Stanley was disbarred last month by a panel of judges for ethics violations, many of which stemmed from her time prosecuting the Suzanne Morphew murder case.
In a filing on Oct. 4, the Office of Attorney Regulation asked that her disbarment take immediate effect pending appeal, calling Stanley "an ongoing threat to the public."
As the legal proceedings continue to determine if Stanley will finish her term as DA in the 11th Judicial District, 9NEWS spoke with former District Court Judge Ramsey Lama. Lama, who is now an attorney in Canon City, presided over the Morphew case in Fremont County.
One reason Stanley lost her law license is she was found to have launched a secret investigation into Lama and his family based on conspiracy theories posted online.
"Without a doubt, that was the craziest thing that ever happened to me while I was on the bench," Lama said. "I never expected to become the target of an investigation like that based on my rulings."
Stanley saw unfounded conspiracy theories posted on YouTube and Change.org and used investigative resources from the DA's office to interview Lama's ex-wife. Stanley admitted she found the theories were false.
"To do what we do, or what I used to do as a judge, it takes a certain amount of courage," Lama said. "You have to act and rule independent of public approval or disapproval, but you shouldn’t have to worry about becoming the target of a baseless criminal investigation because of your rulings."
The branch of the Colorado Supreme Court found Stanley “abused her position of trust” when she used the investigative powers of the DA’s office to investigate Lama. The panel took the extremely rare step of disbarring her. She is now asked for a stay on that ruling until she finishes her term as DA in January.
"The punishment is totally appropriate," Lama said. "I think anything short of disbarment would have failed to instill public trust and confidence in the legal profession."
Stanley ended up dropping murder charges against Barry Morphew days before his trial was set to start. Judges have also dropped or lessened charges in other cases Stanley prosecuted because of her conduct.
"Absolutely she was harming cases," Lama said. "Absolutely."
9NEWS has asked repeatedly over the last several years to speak with Stanley about why she did what she did and if she has any regrets. Her lawyer said that the last time she did an interview she got herself in trouble, so she won’t be talking with 9NEWS.
This is the first time 9NEWS has reported that a sitting district attorney has been disbarred by the state without first resigning.
Still, Stanley is fighting to keep her position of power. The branch of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Office of Attorney Regulation, and former Judge Lama all agree she should have that power taken away.
"That’s what makes this more egregious," Lama said. "This was an elected DA. The head of the District Attorney’s Office. She’s arguably the most powerful, influential law enforcement authority within this judicial district."