Alabama: Birmingham man, James Stewart Robinson, indicted for allegedly slitting dog's throat, texting photo to estranged wife

ALABAMA -- An attorney from Birmingham, on temporary leave from the practice of law, has been indicted on an animal cruelty charge for allegedly slitting his dog's throat and sending a picture of the dead pet to his estranged wife.

James Stewart Robinson, 46, remains free on a $40,000 bond on one charge of cruelty to a dog or cat, a class C felony.

The indictment, issued Aug. 16 by a Jefferson County grand jury, was filed Wednesday afternoon in the state's online court system.

Robinson surrendered to police on Nov. 26, more than a week after he was charged with cruelty to a dog after a five-month probe that included canine exhumation and an investigation at a Florida animal forensics lab.

Police believe Robinson killed Rufus, an American Staffordshire terrier, during a bitter canine custody battle with his estranged wife.

According to authorities and court documents, Robinson and his wife had been fighting over custody of Rufus. Robinson repeatedly claimed that his wife had killed the dog, but, after analyzing forensics, emails, text messages and voicemails, authorities determined that Robinson killed Rufus.

Robinson was found guilty of harassment in Vestavia Hills Municipal Court and sentenced to six months in jail, but he appealed the verdict to Jefferson County Circuit Court and demanded a jury trial. According to court records, that case is set for a jury trial at 9 a.m. Feb. 10.

On June 22, 2012, Robinson, an attorney, was suspended on an interim basis from the practice of law. He subsequently filed a petition to transfer to "disability inactive status," and the request was granted July 10, 2012, according to the Alabama State Bar.

That status means Robinson has an indefinite amount of time to address whatever problems he might have and the bar cannot take, or continue, any disciplinary action against him.

 

According to the bar, an attorney can ask for his law license to be placed on "disability inactive status" for a variety of reasons - substance abuse problems, depression, mental health problems and physical injuries - that prevent him from carrying out his duties. While classified under that status, an attorney cannot practice law and is not considered in good standing with the bar.

When Robinson is ready, he can seek reinstatement and must prove that whatever disability he was suffering from no longer exists.

(al.com - Nov 1, 2013)

Earlier:

• Deputies: Man killed dog during divorce proceedings