Attorney suspended for nonpayment of fees participated in jury selection last week

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The St. Paul attorney for a man who pleaded guilty to murder in 2001 and sentenced to life in prison, only to have the conviction overturned by the Supreme Court nine years later, was suspended for the practice of law for nonpayment of fees for the first few days of the trial that is underway in Ramsey County.

According to the Pioneer Press, Terrence Duggins was reinstated Tuesday when a check for his yearly fees was delivered to the Minnesota Supreme Court. But Duggins was late on his payments and already suspended when he took part in jury selection last Thursday and Friday.

The trial was on hold because on Monday Duggins asked Judge Edward Wilson for a one-week continuance, citing poor health. The judge granted the request and said he was not aware that Duggins was suspended when the trial began.

Duggins told a reporter that he thought he had mailed the check in already and that there was a grace period for nonpayment of fees.The judge said he is considering whether to declare a mistrial.

Duggins is representing Jerry Vang, 24. Vang pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2001 drive-by shooting death of a 15-year-old in St. Paul.