Raleigh, N.C. — Garey Ballance, a former district court judge who spent time in prison, wants his law license reinstated. He is expected to make the request before the State Bar Thursday morning.

Ballance pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 2005. The charges involved the use of state money that went to purchase a luxury sport utility vehicle.  Prosecutors charged the money was funneled from Ballance's father, former U.S .Congressman Frank Ballance.

Ballance was released from prison in August 2006 after serving nine months behind bars. He spent that time in the same facility as his father who is serving a 4-year sentence for mail fraud and money laundering.

Garey Ballance said he used the time to focus on the positive.

"As an adult, you sort of get away from your parents and you don't spend as much time with them. But I got to spend time with him and given the fact that he's still there, I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to spend some time with him," he said.

The State Bar temporarily stripped Ballance of his law license last year. The hearing is expected to start at 10 a.m. and it is expected to last two days.

In addition to practicing law, Ballance said he has not ruled out a run for public office.