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.
