Paris, Tenn.–A Paris attorney plead guilty to three amended charges and one new charge and agreed to permanent disbarment in a hearing in Henry County Circuit Court yesterday.
With his counsel present, Michael Ainley agreed to a negotiated Best Interest plea agreement and to be sentenced later pending approval/acceptance of the application for Judicial Diversion by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Pro-Tem Meghan Fowler represented the state. Ainley was represented by Attorney Daniel Taylor.
Ainley plead guilty to:
Count 1, assault, which had been amended from Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, 11 months, 29 days, at 75 percent, no fine.
Count 2, assault, which was amended from sexual battery, 11 months 29 days, at 75 percent, no fine.
Count 3, assault Misdemeanor B, which was amended from assault Misdemeanor C, six months, at 75 percent, no fine.
NEW Count 4: Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution where prisoners are quartered, Felony C, five years, Range 1 offender, at 30 percent, no fine.
According to the filing, under terms of the agreement, all counts are to run concurrent for Five (5) years, RCS 30%, ‘Regular’ Probation, No Contact with victims, Defendant’s property seized is to be returned, Defendant will be closing his law practice and agrees to permanent disbarment from all States that he possesses a law license and will not attempt to reinstate his license in any State.
Confirmation of Best Interest Plea and SENTENCING is set for Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Henry County Circuit courtroom (2nd floor).