Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to F. Lee Bailey

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to F. Lee Bailey.

F. Lee Bailey was a prominent American criminal defense attorney known for his involvement in several high-profile cases. He gained notoriety for successfully defending Sam Sheppard in his 1966 retrial for the murder of his wife. Bailey also played a key role in the defense team for Albert DeSalvo, the alleged Boston Strangler, and served as the lead attorney during the court-martial of Captain Ernest Medina related to the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. He was also part of O.J. Simpson's defense team during his murder trial. Despite his successes, Bailey's legal career faced setbacks, including disbarment in Florida and Massachusetts due to misconduct related to client funds.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1973: Indicted on Conspiracy and Mail Fraud Charges

In 1973, Bailey, along with Glenn W. Turner and eight others, was indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy and mail fraud charges related to Koscot Interplanetary and Dare to be Great.

February 28, 1982: Arrested for Drunk Driving

On February 28, 1982, Bailey was arrested for drunk driving in California, leading to a trial where he was acquitted.

1982: Bailey's Drunk Driving Case

In 1982, Bailey was the defendant in a drunk driving case, which was one of the longest running in California history. He was acquitted but faced legal defense bills of $100,000.

1983: Korean Air Lines Flight 007 Case

In 1983, Bailey took on the case of aggrieved families of passengers on Korean Air Lines Flight 007, which was shot down over the Soviet Union, leading to criticism of his commitment to the case.

1996: Bailey Sent to Prison for Contempt

In 1996, Bailey was sent to prison for 44 days for contempt of court in the Claude DuBoc case, regarding the turnover of BioChem stock.

1996: Imprisonment for contempt of court

In 1996, F. Lee Bailey was imprisoned for six weeks for contempt of court. His brother raised money to enable Bailey to turn over stock to the government, leading to his release.

2001: Disbarment in Florida

In 2001, Bailey was disbarred in Florida for misconduct while defending Claude Louis DuBoc.

April 11, 2003: Reciprocal disbarment in Massachusetts

On April 11, 2003, F. Lee Bailey faced reciprocal disbarment in Massachusetts following his disbarment in Florida due to his handling of Biochem Pharma shares during the Claude DuBoc case.

2003: Disbarment in Massachusetts

In 2003, Bailey was disbarred in Massachusetts for misconduct while defending Claude Louis DuBoc.

2003: Ordered to pay taxes and penalties

In early 2003, a judge ordered F. Lee Bailey to pay $5 million in taxes and penalties related to income from the Duboc case, although the decision was later reversed.

2013: Denied Law License in Maine and Subsequent Appeal

In 2013, The Maine Board of Bar Examiners denied Bailey a law license, a decision Bailey appealed that same year. The appellate court overturned the initial license denial.

2014: Maine Supreme Judicial Court Upheld License Denial

In 2014, The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld the original denial of Bailey's law license after the Board of Examiners appealed the appellate court decision.

2016: Featured in "O.J.: Made in America"

In Ezra Edelman's 2016 documentary "O.J.: Made in America", F. Lee Bailey is featured through interviews and archive footage of the Simpson murder trial.

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