Allison Skipper and Shaun Skipper are accused of barratry charges, involving the illegal solicitation of clients by attorneys.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A San Patricio County assistant county attorney and her husband, a local attorney, were arrested Tuesday after being indicted by a grand jury on felony barratry charges.
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According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Allison Skipper, who serves as an assistant county attorney in San Patricio County, and her husband, Shaun Skipper, were taken into custody by the Texas Rangers and booked into the San Patricio County Jail.
DPS spokesperson Sgt. Rob Mallory confirmed the arrests to 3NEWS, saying the case remains under active investigation by the Texas Rangers and that no additional information will be released at this time.
San Patricio District Attorney Margie Silva told 3NEWS that she cannot comment on a pending case.
Both Skippers are charged with barratry, a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code 38.12, which makes it illegal for anyone, particularly an attorney, to improperly solicit professional employment for personal or financial gain. The statute, sometimes referred to as “ambulance chasing,” is designed to prevent lawyers or their agents from soliciting clients in ways that exploit victims or interfere with justice.
Under state law, a conviction for felony barratry can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The statute also allows civil remedies, meaning contracts or fees obtained through illegal solicitation can be voided.
According to State Bar of Texas records, Allison Skipper has been licensed to practice law in Texas since November 7, 2008. Her husband, Shaun Skipper, has been licensed since May 4, 2006, and practices family and juvenile law in Corpus Christi.
Both Skippers have no prior disciplinary history listed with the State Bar of Texas, according to public bar records.
Details regarding bond amounts or initial court appearances were not immediately available Wednesday.
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