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The Florida Bar opens investigation into attorney representing shooter in 'stand your ground' case

Posted at 2:42 PM, Aug 16, 2018
and last updated 2019-08-16 14:38:47-04

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Bar has confirmed to ABC Action News that it has opened an investigation into attorney Lysa Clifton — and the reports that she visited Micheal Drejka and solicited to be his legal representation.

Drejka is the shooter at the center of a "stand your ground" case in Clearwater. He shot and killed Markeis McGlockton outside a Clearwater convenience store on July 19 after he was shoved to the ground. 

Clifton told ABC Action News that she met with Drejka on a cold call visit to the Pinellas County Jail Tuesday night, where she says he agreed to let her represent him. 

Related: Shooterin 'stand your ground' case, Michael Drejka, retainsrookieattorney

The spokesperson for the Bar was not sure if Clifton had been advised of the investigation yet but says that she would be notified.

The Bar cannot release any further information until the case is closed, or if it is sent on to a grievance committee for further investigation.

Related: Video shows deadly shooting overparkingspot at Clearwater convenience store

The Bar has strict rules on attorney solicitation and prohibits face to face solicitation – "of a client who is not a family member or with whom the lawyer does not have a prior professional relationship."

ABC Action News reached out to Clifton for a comment, she stated:

"I have not been informed by the Florida Bar that I am under investigation, so I really can't talk about a complaint I haven't seen."

Clifton has been in practice since 2012, according to the Bar.