The legal profession demands unwavering honesty from all its members. Attorney Jacquelin Elizabeth Devlin (State Bar Number 241764) of Oroville, California, has been permanently disbarred from the practice of law, effective August 29, 2025.
Her permanent removal from the State Bar roll came as a direct, automatic consequence of a criminal conviction which the State Bar Court determined involved misconduct that warrants professional discipline. This severe sanction protects the public from an individual who has demonstrated a severe disregard for the law and the required standards of truthfulness.
The Core Violation: Criminal Conviction and Deceit
Devlin’s disciplinary history, culminating in disbarment (Case No. 24-C-30231), is tied directly to her criminal actions and a resulting finding of misconduct:
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Criminal Conviction: The disbarment was based on a criminal conviction involving misconduct warranting discipline. While the specific crime is not fully detailed in the final disbarment notice, the State Bar Court found that the conviction itself qualified for the maximum penalty.
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Act of Deceit to Police: An earlier finding noted an act of deceit related to the investigation leading to her conviction. Devlin reportedly “told police officers investigating at the scene that she did not possess any keys–though a subsequent search of her purse revealed three keys and three metal bottle openers.” This type of dishonesty is often the basis for a finding that the conviction involves moral turpitude, as it demonstrates an inherent willingness to deceive law enforcement and official bodies.
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Interim Suspension: Her license was placed under an interim suspension in July 2024 after the conviction was officially transmitted to the State Bar Court, a mandatory step for attorneys convicted of serious crimes.
The Final Sanction: Permanent Disbarment by Default
The severity of the underlying conviction and the finding of misconduct left the State Bar Court with no option but the maximum professional penalty:
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Permanent Disbarment: The California Supreme Court ordered the permanent disbarment of Jacquelin Elizabeth Devlin.
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Pattern of Non-Compliance: It is noteworthy that prior to the disbarment stemming from the conviction, Devlin was already ineligible to practice due to administrative suspensions, including failure to pay bar fees and noncompliance with MCLE (Minimum Continuing Legal Education) requirements. This pattern of administrative disregard often serves as an aggravating factor in the final disciplinary decision.
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Effective Date: The disbarment became effective on August 29, 2025.
Conclusion: Integrity Is Non-Negotiable
The case of Jacquelin Elizabeth Devlin serves as a clear statement that the standards for maintaining a legal license are absolute. An attorney who engages in criminal conduct and demonstrates a severe lack of integrity—even in interactions with police—is deemed unfit to serve as an officer of the court.
Her permanent removal from the Bar roll ensures the public is protected from an individual whose actions fell far short of the ethical and moral baseline required of all legal professionals.
