Former Contra Costa district attorney faces disbarment

The California Bar doesn’t want disgraced Contra Costa District Attorney Mark Peterson to ever practice law again.

The Bar has recommended Peterson be disbarred for his behavior while he was district attorney. The final decision on what happens will be made by the California Supreme Court.

As In Justice Today previously reported, Peterson resigned and pleaded no contest to one count of felony perjury in June. The charge stemmed from Peterson spending $66,000 from his campaign fund on personal expenses, including hotel rooms, movie tickets and jewelry.

The California Attorney General’s Office originally charged Peterson with 12 felony counts of perjury and one felony count of grand theft, but reached a plea deal with Peterson the same day the charges were filed. Peterson was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service.

County supervisors selected retired Judge Diana Becton to replace Peterson two weeks ago.