The swift downfall of Congressman Eric Swalwell has extended beyond the political arena, culminating in his resignation from Congress and withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race. A cascade of serious allegations – including accusations of drugging, rape, and sexual assault – now threatens to dismantle his legal career as well.
Multiple women have come forward with disturbing accounts. One former staffer alleges nonconsensual sexual encounters, detailing instances that left her physically injured while intoxicated. Another woman, Lonna Drewes, publicly accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in a 2018 hotel room encounter, triggering immediate criminal investigations.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office have both launched criminal investigations into the claims. Even the FBI has signaled potential federal exposure, actively seeking information from the public and requesting an interview with Swalwell himself.
Legal experts suggest Swalwell’s fate isn’t solely in the hands of law enforcement. As an active member of the State Bar of California since 2006, he is bound by strict rules of professional conduct. These rules outline grounds for suspension or revocation of his license to practice law.
Specifically, the bar could investigate allegations of “dishonesty, fraud, [and] deceit,” as well as acts deemed to demonstrate “moral turpitude.” Whether Swalwell’s alleged behavior falls under these prohibitions will be the focus of any potential State Bar inquiry.
Previously shielded by allies in the media and within his own party, Swalwell now finds himself isolated. Legal scholar Jonathan Turley observed that the congressman is now “persona non grata without a friend in the world,” suggesting even former supporters are distancing themselves.
The possibility of disbarment looms large if the accusations are substantiated. Even without a criminal conviction, the nature of the allegations – rape and sexual harassment – could be enough to trigger demands for his removal from the legal profession.
Swalwell’s legal background includes work as a hate crimes prosecutor, a role he held before entering Congress. This history adds another layer of scrutiny, as the allegations directly contradict the principles he once championed.
While Swalwell’s representative has argued that “regret is not rape,” emphasizing the lack of current criminal charges or civil complaints, the weight of the accusations and the ongoing investigations present a formidable challenge to his future, both legally and professionally.
Even if Swalwell were to cease actively practicing law, a conviction on related misdemeanor or felony charges could still result in disbarment, according to the State Bar’s professional conduct rules. The implications of these allegations extend far beyond the political realm, threatening to permanently end his career in law.
