Former Air Force Lawyer Suspended For Drunken Armed Assault Against Fiancée – Guy D. McCardle
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended former Air Force attorney William A. McClain for two years following his conviction on multiple felony charges stemming from a violent, alcohol-fueled incident in October 2022.
Surprisingly, McClain’s LinkedIn page is still up with an “#opentowork banner below his picture. Instead of lawyerly roles, however, he is now open to human relations and employee relations specialist roles.
Open to just about anything at this point.
McClain, 46, previously served as a judge advocate general (JAG) with the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, providing legal support to military personnel and civilians. The troubles described in this article occurred after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force.
On the night of October 29, 2022, McClain became intoxicated and belligerent while at a bar with his fiancée, her adult daughter, and two friends. The situation escalated when McClain assaulted his fiancée in the parking lot, prompting the women to leave without him. They returned to his home to remove firearms due to concerns over his behavior.
Upon discovering their actions, McClain became enraged, leading to a physical altercation during which his fiancée’s daughter stabbed him in the torso in self-defense. At one point, McClain held his fiancée and her daughter at gunpoint, but they were able to distract him. The women then fled, but McClain pursued them with a gun, firing a shot into the air before retreating to his home. A neighbor alerted authorities, resulting in an hours-long standoff that ended with McClain’s surrender after a police SWAT team deployed gas canisters into the residence.
In February 2023, McClain pleaded guilty to two felony counts of aggravated assault and one felony count of inducing panic, among other charges. He was sentenced to three years of community control, 100 hours of community service, and mandated to undergo mental health and substance abuse counseling. Additionally, he forfeited seven firearms and was ordered to have no contact with the victims.
According to military.com, the Ohio Supreme Court has suspended McClain for practicing law for two years. To be considered for reinstatement to the bar, he must comply with all terms of his conviction and rehab programs. In the end, a mental health practitioner must determine that he is competent to return to the “ethical and professional practice of law.”
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended former Air Force attorney William A. McClain for two years following his conviction on multiple felony charges stemming from a violent, alcohol-fueled incident in October 2022.
Surprisingly, McClain’s LinkedIn page is still up with an “#opentowork banner below his picture. Instead of lawyerly roles, however, he is now open to human relations and employee relations specialist roles.
Open to just about anything at this point.
McClain, 46, previously served as a judge advocate general (JAG) with the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, providing legal support to military personnel and civilians. The troubles described in this article occurred after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force.
On the night of October 29, 2022, McClain became intoxicated and belligerent while at a bar with his fiancée, her adult daughter, and two friends. The situation escalated when McClain assaulted his fiancée in the parking lot, prompting the women to leave without him. They returned to his home to remove firearms due to concerns over his behavior.
Upon discovering their actions, McClain became enraged, leading to a physical altercation during which his fiancée’s daughter stabbed him in the torso in self-defense. At one point, McClain held his fiancée and her daughter at gunpoint, but they were able to distract him. The women then fled, but McClain pursued them with a gun, firing a shot into the air before retreating to his home. A neighbor alerted authorities, resulting in an hours-long standoff that ended with McClain’s surrender after a police SWAT team deployed gas canisters into the residence.
In February 2023, McClain pleaded guilty to two felony counts of aggravated assault and one felony count of inducing panic, among other charges. He was sentenced to three years of community control, 100 hours of community service, and mandated to undergo mental health and substance abuse counseling. Additionally, he forfeited seven firearms and was ordered to have no contact with the victims.
According to military.com, the Ohio Supreme Court has suspended McClain for practicing law for two years. To be considered for reinstatement to the bar, he must comply with all terms of his conviction and rehab programs. In the end, a mental health practitioner must determine that he is competent to return to the “ethical and professional practice of law.”
Ohio’s Board of Professional Conduct had the following to say about McClain,
“When sober (he) is a respectful and compassionate person, a loving father, and a hardworking and talented attorney.”
The Ohio Supreme Court’s disciplinary action reflects the severity of McClain’s conduct, emphasizing the dangers posed by the combination of alcohol and firearms. The court acknowledged McClain’s efforts toward rehabilitation, including treatment for alcohol abuse and mental health issues, and noted his honorable military service. However, the suspension underscores the imperative for legal professionals to uphold ethical standards, both in and out of uniform.
