Abilene Attorney Burt Burnett: Prison Sentence & Legal Troubles

Dr. Rita Raynor 22 May 2025

Can a legal career built on trust and ethical conduct crumble in the face of financial malfeasance? The story of Burt Burnett, a former Abilene attorney, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from a breach of that trust, ultimately leading to incarceration and professional ruin.

Abilene, Texas, has once again found itself at the center of a legal drama. On a recent Wednesday, Burt Burnett, a former Abilene lawyer, infamously known as "Maserati" Burnett, received a sentence of 10 years in prison. This sentence was handed down due to violations of his parole, a stark turn of events for a man who once held a position of respect within the community. The legal proceedings paint a picture of a man who not only betrayed the trust of his clients but also seemingly disregarded the terms set forth for his supervised release.

The legal journey began with a motion filed by the State of Texas, seeking to revoke Burnett's probation, also known as community supervision. This action marked the continuation of a case that had cast a shadow over Burnett's professional life for years. The underlying issue stemmed from his guilty plea in 2019 to felony charges. These charges were particularly damning as they alleged that Burnett had embezzled a substantial sum of money, approximately $500,000, from settlements belonging to his former clients. The allegations were a significant blow to his reputation and ultimately led to the severe consequences he now faces.

The courtroom proceedings on that Wednesday were a culmination of a series of events. The sentencing followed a pattern of legal actions, and the gravity of the situation was underscored by the judge's decision. The sentence of 10 years in prison reflects the seriousness with which the court viewed Burnett's actions and the violation of trust. It sends a clear message that financial misconduct within the legal profession will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable.

Burnett's legal troubles extended beyond the criminal charges, and he faced scrutiny from disciplinary bodies. The "Counselor at Law" proceedings brought forth by the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, underscored the ethical lapses associated with Burnett's conduct. The case revealed how his actions not only violated criminal statutes but also breached the professional rules governing the conduct of attorneys. He was ultimately suspended from practicing law for a year by the State Bar of Texas.

The events of October 2019 are particularly significant. Burnett pleaded guilty to stealing over $500,000 from a settlement belonging to a former client. This admission of guilt solidified the nature of his wrongdoing and added to the weight of the charges against him. The stolen funds were not only a significant loss to the client, but the act itself represented a profound betrayal of the attorney-client relationship. The state of Texas also appealed from 42nd district court of taylor county further highlighting the legal intricacies that surrounded Burnetts case. While some case summaries were written with the help of AI, it underscores the need for thorough legal research when considering legal matters.

The case of Burt Burnett is a testament to the importance of ethical conduct within the legal profession. His story is a cautionary tale that highlights the destructive consequences of financial malfeasance, betrayal of client trust, and the potential for the legal system to punish such behavior. It serves as a reminder that the integrity of legal professionals is paramount, and any deviation from ethical standards can lead to devastating personal and professional repercussions.

Bio Data	Details
Full Name	Burt Lee Burnett
Age	52 (as of the time of legal proceedings)
Location	Abilene, Texas
Notable Alias	"Maserati" Burnett
Date of Birth (Burt Burnett of Bentonville, Arkansas)	October 18, 1933
Date of Passing (Burt Burnett of Bentonville, Arkansas)	November 29, 2010
Partner	Majd Ghanayem
Former Company	Burnett Law Firm, PLLC
Area of Practice	Personal Injury
Disciplinary Actions	Suspension from practicing law for one year by the State Bar of Texas.
Criminal Charges	Guilty plea to felony charges, specifically stealing settlement money.
Sentencing	10 years in prison for violating parole. Additionally, previously sentenced to 10 years of deferred adjudication.
Restitution	Ordered to pay $838,455.91

The legal ramifications for Burt Burnett extended beyond his initial sentencing. He was also ordered to pay a considerable sum in restitution, amounting to $838,455.91. This order aimed to compensate his former clients for the funds he had stolen. While financial penalties could have provided a level of justice to those who had been wronged, it did not erase the damage caused by his actions. The legal landscape was not only impacted by the actions of Burt Burnett but also by those who were involved. Majd Ghanayem, a former partner of Burt Burnett, was also found guilty and faced disciplinary action. He was found to have violated three Texas disciplinary rules of professional misconduct.

Furthermore, the case raised ethical questions that extended beyond the actions of Burt Burnett. The actions of the Burnett Law Firm, PLLC, were also brought into question. While it remains unclear to what extent the firm was involved, the mere association with Burnett cast a shadow over the business's reputation. The involvement of other individuals, such as Majd Ghanayem, further complicated the narrative, emphasizing the intricate nature of the legal proceedings.

The legal saga of Burt Burnett offers a grim lesson on the consequences of violating the ethical standards that underpin the legal profession. It underscores the significance of accountability and the harsh reality that transgressions can lead to incarceration, financial ruin, and the irrevocable damage of a professional reputation. The case serves as a reminder of the significance of integrity, and the cost that comes when it is compromised.

The ramifications of Burnett's actions extended into his personal life as well. His legal troubles, the resulting imprisonment, and professional disgrace surely created significant hardships. The case has drawn the attention of the public. The details of the case were shared via online obituaries, and legacy news sites, which allowed the public to see details about him.

The case highlights the importance of trust and the high expectations of legal professionals. It should serve as a reminder of the lasting consequences of decisions made by individuals, and the legal and ethical parameters that must be observed.