Disbarred Bradenton attorney to serve probation for theft charge, practicing without license

BRADENTON -- A disbarred Bradenton attorney will serve probation time as part of a plea agreement over charges he didn't return excess funds to clients after completing work and continued to do legal work after being suspended.

James Edward Rawe Jr., 56, entered a plea of no contest Wednesday morning to charges of third-degree grand theft of more than $5,000, but less than $10,000, and practicing law with a suspended license.

As part of his plea agreement, the State Attorney's Office dropped an additional count of grand theft of more than $300 but less than $5,000.

Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll sentenced Rawe to 12 months probation and withheld the conviction from his criminal history. Conditions of Rawe's probation: He must have drug abuse and psychological evaluations, complete any recommended treatment and pay restitution.

Rawe defense attorney Brett McIntosh said they were pleased with the outcome.

"Mr. Rawe has been through a lot," McIntosh said afterwards. "He is looking forward to moving on and paying the restitution that is owed."

The former attorney was permanently disbarred by the Florida Supreme Court in December 2014 after he continued to practice law

while his license was suspended. His suspension in April 2014 came after he was found in contempt for failing to respond to a court order to show cause for complaints filed against him in 2013.

Rawe, a Stetson University graduate, joined the Florida Bar in 1993. He went with the State Attorney's Office until 2001 before opening his own private practice.

In Sarasota County, Rawe still has one additional pending charge of grand theft of more than $300 but less than $5,000. The charge alleges Rawe took a retainer from a client for work he never did.

Court documents reveal a hearing to change his plea of not guilty has been scheduled for 10 a.m. May 9.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 11:04 PM with the headline "Disbarred Bradenton attorney to serve probation for theft charge, practicing without license ."