With respect to his criminal case Mr. Bennett provides the following:
"Prior to the criminal case against me I represented my clients with a level of commitment and empathy that resulted in their protection and successful defense. My zealous representation was the result of my understanding of what they were going through and a very strong desire to bring their tribulations to an end. I now realize that my understanding was with limitation. As a result of personally being investigated, prosecuted, convicted and incarcerated and the resulting distress, suffering and destruction to my family and myself, I now actually know what a criminal defendant experiences. Now more so than ever, I have the power, commitment and spirit to defend - and win on behalf of the accused."
In December 2007 Mr. Bennett was sentenced to two years in prison for violating the federal crime of structuring financial transactions or splitting large financial transactions into smaller deposits to avoid scrutiny by regulators and law enforcement. Structuring, as a matter of law, does not involve harm or loss to any person or thing or fraud or evil intent. It does not involve an attempt to obtain something from any entity or individual. Goldeshtein v. INS 8 F. 3d 645 (9th Cir. 1993) , U.S. v. Bajakajian 524 U. S. 321 , 339 , 141 L. E. 2d 314 , 118 S. Ct. 2028 (1998) , U.S. Ismail 97 F 3d 50 (4th Cir 1996) and Smalley v. Ashcroft 354 F 3d 332 (5th Cir 2003).
Mr. Bennett's conduct in no way involved the practice of law, any client or any other person. His case involved a personal banking matter. In 2002 (nine years ago), Mr. Bennett deposited $124,300.00 of his personal money into his personal bank account in amounts less than $10,000.00.
Mr. Bennett is not proud of his conduct giving rise to his case. However, he is not ashamed of it. In fact, he believes his personal journey through the criminal justice system has made him a better criminal defense attorney. For your edification and in the spirit of full disclosure click on the following articles and links to view media coverage of Mr. Bennett's case.
Attorney Pleads in Money Case (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Lawyer gets 2 year term in federal bank case (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Out of Prison, attorney Clyde Bennett back in spotlight (Cincinnati Enquirer)
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