TALLAHASSEE — Winter Springs attorney Christopher Tracy Fulmer faces voluntarily disbarment following an Oct. 4 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations he misappropriated tens of thousands of dollars, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
"A disciplinary action pending against Fulmer involved misappropriating approximately $75,000 while employed as corporate counsel at two separate title companies," the state bar said in its Oct. 31 announcement of the discipline and the Supreme Court's order.
In its two-page order, the high court approved Fulmer's uncontested petition for disciplinary revocation before disbarring him with leave to seek readmission after five years. The court also ordered him to pay $1,250 in costs.
Fulmer's suspension will be effective 30 days from the date of the court's order to allow time to close his practice and protect his existing clients' interests, according to the high court's order.
In Florida, disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Florida court orders are not final until time to file a rehearing motion expires. Filing such a motion does not alter the effective date of Fulmer's disbarment.
Attorneys disbarred in the state generally cannot reapply for admission for five years and then must pass an extensive process that includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam.
Fulmer was admitted to the bar in Florida Dec. 8, 1995, according to his profile at the state bar website. Fulmer has no history of prior discipline in Florida, according to his petition for disciplinary revocation.
Fulmer is alleged to have misappropriated about $30,000 from one title company in or around February and March and about $45,000 from another title company in and around April, according to his petition. Fulmer has "refunded the allegedly misappropriate funds" to the two title companies, according to his petition.
Fulmer "has shown remorse for his misconduct by accepting responsibility and making full restitution," the petition said. "At the time of the misconduct, [Fulmer] was experiencing personal problem. He has sought mental health counseling and voluntarily stopped practicing law."