Today's events changed my mind. I'm no longer in the "he'll get only a reprimand" camp. Count me in your group now.
What on earth will his attorneys submit in his defense?
The attorney is there for one reason. There WILL BE suits against Nifong and these hearings and whatever happens will be used as evidence. So Nifongs attorney wants to know EVERYTHING first hand. He likely will have little to say and negotiating terms of disbarment or whatever is not an option for him. He's just THERE.
"What on earth will his attorneys submit in his defense?"
That he's had a spotless record until now. That's all they've got. They can't plead ignorance of the law because the cover-up lies demonstrate Mikey's consciousness of guilt. All they can do is grovel for mercy. The presence of the cameras will ensure he gets little or none. This bar has stumbled in its oversight responsibilities too long. The legislature is breathing down their necks. If they want to remain relevant and help the DAs hang onto their power scam, which enures to their benefit as well, they will take Mikey down - remove him from office by disbarring him. In essence, they will undo what the racist black Durhamites voted to do.