Attorney Brent J. McIntosh, of Cleveland, Tenn., was publicly censured Friday by the Tennessee Supreme Court, according to a news release.

The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a petition for discipline against Mr. McIntosh pursuant to Rule 9, Rules of the Supreme Court, the release from the Board of Professional Responsibility states. A hearing panel determined that, while representing a client, McIntosh threatened to present a criminal charge against an unrepresented person for the purpose of obtaining an advantage in a civil matter.

McIntosh's actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 4.4(a) (2), Respect for the Rights of Third Persons; and 8.4(a), Misconduct, according to the release.

A public censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but does not affect the attorney's ability to practice law.