Meredith Norris' defense

Meredith Norris also blamed state lobbying laws for her legal problems.

In a letter to the state Real Estate Commission, the former aide to disgraced House Speaker Jim Black said that the state statutes were "vague and unclear" at the time about the difference between consulting and lobbying for a client.

I am truly sorry for the unintentional violation of the Statute, and I can certainly attest that the entire ordeal was a profound learning experience. It has made me incredibly aware of the intricacies of the complex laws in our state — when in doubt, ask! — and gives me insight that many other real estate license applicants may not have.

Norris writes that because of the media attention around her investigation, the legislature revised the statute to make it more clear.

She also asked the commission to keep her address private, saying she has received unwelcome phone calls, visits and e-mails since pleading guilty last August to a misdemeanor lobbying law violation.