Lawsuit Seeks Removal Of Williamson County DA From Office

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX -- A pair of county residents have filed a lawsuit against District Attorney Jana Duty, seeking to force her out of office after she was disciplined by the State Bar of Texas, according to a published report.

Filed on Monday, the litigation stems from the 18-month suspension of Duty's law license after she was found in violation of a gag order in talking to the press about an ongoing murder trial. As its basis, the litigation provides that county officials can be removed on the grounds of incompetence and official misconduct, the Austin American-StatesmanAustin American-Statesman reported.

“Duty’s serial violations of court orders and the laws of the State of Texas, her history and pattern of dishonesty and untrustworthiness, and her dereliction and abandonment of her responsibilities of the office of the District Attorney have compromised the integrity and the effectiveness of the office … and the Williamson County criminal justice system,” the lawsuit reads in part. 

This is the second call for Duty's resignation in light of the recent State Bar of Texas action against her. Earlier, a group of prominent business leaders staged a press conference in front of the county courthouse in asking for her to step down.

Duty has announced no plans to resign from her position. 

Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman >>