In a significant development, a California judge has preliminarily found John Eastman, a former attorney for President Donald Trump, culpable of ethics violations in a state bar disciplinary case. The finding, issued by State Bar Court Judge Yvette D. Roland on Thursday, comes as a result of a complaint filed against Eastman for his efforts to support Trump's bid to maintain power after the 2020 election.

The preliminary finding marks a crucial moment in the ongoing case against Eastman, who could potentially face severe sanctions, including disbarment, if the judge issues a final finding of culpability. Attorneys from the state bar, prosecuting the case, expressed satisfaction with the preliminary finding, stating that it allows them to present additional evidence to support their argument for a more severe punishment.

The trial, which began in June, is set to conclude on Friday, with Judge Roland expected to make her final decision as early as late November. Both parties will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court.

The proceeding against Eastman in California is part of a wider effort by disciplinary authorities across the country to challenge the law licenses of attorneys who assisted Trump following the election. Attorneys who worked for Trump in Michigan have already faced sanctions, Rudy Giuliani's law license is currently suspended, and he, along with Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official, are facing their own bar disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, criminal charges pending in Fulton County, Georgia against Eastman, Giuliani, Clark, and others could also impact their ability to practice law if they are convicted.

Notable witnesses have testified in Eastman's trial, including a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in his defense and a former chief counsel to Vice President Mike Pence called by the state bar. The ethics complaint against Eastman was filed by the group States United in October 2021, prompting the state bar to initiate its case earlier this year.

Christine P. Sun, the senior vice president of legal at States United, highlighted the significance of the preliminary finding of culpability, stating that it demonstrated Eastman's lack of legal or factual basis for his plan to overturn the election results. The group welcomed the State Bar's pursuit of accountability as the trial drew to a close.

In another separate case, Eastman is facing charges in Georgia related to election subversion allegations. Prosecutors have filed nine counts against him, including racketeering and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. Eastman has pleaded not guilty in that case.