A former Ogden attorney entered a guilty plea Friday to theft, stemming from an accusation last summer that he stole money from a client.
Stanley L. Ballif, who now lives in California, pleaded guilty before 2nd District Judge Ronald O. Hyde. The judge set sentencing for June 10. Ballif could receive from one to 15 years in prison.
Deputy Weber County Attorney Bill Daines said the theft charge was brought against Ballif after the defendant pocketed money from a settlement awarded to Joann Berrett, of Weber County.
Ballif took the $4,500 settlement check and deposited it in his wife's banking account, said Deputy Weber County Attorney Kris Knowlton.
Ballif filed a personal-injury lawsuit against UTA on behalf of Berrett, Knowlton said. Ballif then settled the suit outside of court without telling his client and then pocketed her money.
The defendant was disbarred in January and he is no longer allowed to practice law in Utah, Daines said.
Ballif said he has paid restitution to Berrett and to other clients.