Delaware lawyer Andre M. Beauregard has been suspended from practicing law for misconduct after court officials say he gave false statements to a judge after Beauregard hired a private investigator who contacted a former juror.

Following a hearing in 2021, the Board of Professional Responsibility issued an 82-page report recommending Beauregard’s suspension for two violations of the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct. In addition to professional misconduct, the report states Beauregard violated a rule requiring lawyers ensure that the conduct of their hiree is compatible with the ethical obligations of the lawyer.

A Supreme Court opinion released Jan. 23 states there was confusion between Beauregard and the private investigator over whether the investigator could talk to the former juror. After the investigator contacted the juror, the opinion states, Beauregard was shocked and ended the investigation, but he did not immediately notify the court of the contact, which had implications for an upcoming trial.

Beauregard was suspended from practice for two years, and can apply for full reinstatement after that. He has the opportunity to apply for limited reinstatement after one year to serve as counsel for indigent defendants with the Office of Conflicts Counsel program.

On Jan. 30, the court appointed Joseph D. Stanley as receiver over Beauregard’s law practice.