Ex Carlsbad Attorney Patricia Gregory to Serve One Year in Jail

Two former clients of disbarred attorney Patricia Gregory had the satisfaction of seeing the admitted thief put into handcuffs in the Vista courthouse on February 24.

The victims, Denise Doll and Luwain Ng, complained to the judge that Gregory “has been allowed to walk free” for years while her case progressed through the State Bar system and then the criminal courts.

In a plea deal last month, 62-year-old Gregory admitted “fraudulent appropriation” of money from her clients’ accounts. The thefts happened in 2007 and 2008.

“She’s very much sorry she’s caught, said Denise Doll who did not believe Gregory was repentant. Luwain told the judge, “I implore the court not to continue coddling the defendant.”

Both victims expressed outrage that Gregory took advantage of her clients when they were “most vulnerable,” when they were divorcing. The former Carlsbad attorney had specialized in family law.

Superior court judge Kimberlee Lagotta noted the “severe financial and emotional blow” to the victims when she ordered Gregory to serve 365 days in local custody. A restitution hearing has been set for next month.