New York City Bar Association Criticizes DOJ's Prosecution of Attorney in Alabama Gender-Affirming Care Case

Strategic Insights -

The New York City Bar Association has sharply criticized the U.S. Department of Justice for charging attorney Carl Charles with allegedly making false statements to a three-judge panel investigating allegations of judge shopping in a lawsuit against Alabama's gender-affirming care ban. The association argues that the rules of conduct dictate that the tribunal of judges and the respective bar associations should address allegations of professional misconduct, not the U.S. Department of Justice. The case is a significant example of the ongoing tension between the federal government and states with restrictive laws regarding transgender youth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York City Bar Association sharply criticized the U.S. Department of Justice for charging attorney Carl Charles in a lawsuit challenging Alabama's gender-affirming care ban.
  • The association argues that the rules of conduct dictate that the tribunal of judges and the respective bar associations should address allegations of professional misconduct, not the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • Charles was charged with making a false statement to a grand jury or court, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
  • The New York City Bar Association called for the Executive Branch to adhere to the rule of law and avoid targeting individuals and groups politically disfavored by the administration.
  • The three-judge panel's investigation found that Charles had made a phone call to the chambers of U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson, despite initially denying it.
  • Charles was publicly reprimanded by U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke and referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which then charged him with making a false statement to the panel.
  • The case highlights the ongoing tension between the federal government and states with restrictive laws regarding transgender youth.
  • The lawsuit against Alabama's gender-affirming care ban was filed by the New York City Bar Association indicates that the case has been ongoing for several years and has been the subject of multiple court decisions.

Statistics:

  • The maximum sentence for the felony charge against Carl Charles is five years in prison.
  • A $5,000 fine was imposed on Charles by U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke.
  • The three-judge panel's investigation into the incident found that Charles had made a phone call to the chambers of U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which eliminated federal abortion protections in part by saying the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not protect rights "not deeply rooted in the nation's history and traditions," was cited by the 11th Circuit of Appeals in overturning the temporary injunction against Alabama's prescription ban.

Sources:

  • "Attorney in Alabama gender-affirming case charged with making false statement" (Alabama Reflector, 2025-09-10)
  • "NY Bar slams DOJ over prosecution of attorney in Alabama gender-affirming care case" (Alabama Reflector, 2025-10-14)
  • "Federal appeals court lifts injunction against Alabama's ban on medicine for transgender youth" (Alabama Reflector, 2023-08-21)