Verdict Does Not Mean Thomas Will Get Law License Back

A former judge won't automatically get his
law license back now that he's been cleared of criminal charges
accusing him of paddling and sexually abusing young inmates.

Attorneys for former Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas
say it could take months for a determination on his law license.

The Alabama State Bar suspended Thomas' license in March
following his indictment. He was cleared of all criminal charges
Monday at the end of a trial in Mobile.

The State Bar's accusations against Thomas are similar to those
in the trial. The State Bar's general counsel, Tony McClain, says
the case will be decided by a State Bar disciplinary panel. No date
has been set. If the panel rules against Thomas, he could receive
anything from a private reprimand to disbarment.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)