The Kennebec Journal reports that Alan Harding was ordered to spend 10 days in jail after being convicted of failing to pay state income taxes between 2005 and 2010.

"Those who engage in the practice of law are and should be held to a higher standard than the average person," said Justice Donald Marsden.

While the sentence, on face value, seems fair enough given that Harding saved himself around $100,000 during this period, a neighbour vouched for his good standing by telling the court that Harding couldn't pay taxes because he was such a hard worker.

"I've watched Alan's practice grow way too large," said the neighbour. "The man will not say no."

Harding's defence attorney argued that his over-worked client had already suffered enough, having paid back the taxes and being forced to resign from the local Elks Lodge.

The Benevolent and Protective order of the Elks, also known as the Elks Lodge, is an American fraternal order which boasts the late, great Franklin Delano Roosevelt an ex-member.

The Board of Overseers of the Bar in Maine, which is where Harding has been licensed to practice since 1978, has scheduled a disciplinary hearing in early November for the convicted lawyer.

VIEW ALL

Four clients of Harding also told the Board they believe he failed to properly represent them.

Folklaw is unsure whether, like the non-lodgment of tax returns, the disgraced lawyer will claim he was just too busy with other matters to properly act for there disgruntled ex-clients.