San Diego

Attorney Richard Degallegos was ordered Friday not to tamper with his clients’ files pending a Superior Court hearing next week on whether he will lose control of his law practice.

Judge Judith McConnell issued the protective order and a second order restricting Degallegos’ dispersal of client funds at the request of the State Bar of California. Bar officials launched an attempt to take control of his business after a hearing panel concluded last week that he poses a “possible threat” to the public and his clients.

Victoria Molloy, senior trial counsel with the bar, said the order is designed to “protect Mr. Degallegos’ clients and prevent him from concealing or disturbing the files in an attempt to frustrate our efforts.”

Degallegos, 48, is under investigation by local, state and federal authorities over accusations of misconduct. Clients have charged that, among other things, he has failed to complete work for which he was hired, abandoned their cases and misappropriated their funds.

At a hearing next week, Molloy said she will seek a judicial order allowing the State Bar to assume control of Degallegos’ practice. She said the bar hopes to place him on involuntary suspension until its investigation is complete. Penalties the state bar could impose against Degallegos range from a private reproach to disbarment.