Attorney Jon Alexander overcame methamphetamine addiction, a stint in jail and a suspended law license to win election as Del Norte County's district attorney.

But soon after assuming office in January 2011 and receiving a slew of positive publicity, including a cover story in The California Lawyer magazine, new troubles for the recovering addict cropped up. He is now fighting for his professional life.

On Monday, the California agency responsible for licensing lawyers convened a two-week trial in San Francisco before a State Bar judge, who will consider seven allegations of corruption against Alexander. State Bar officials believe it's the first time disciplinary charges have been filed against an elected district attorney while in office.

Alexander faces disbarment. Alexander's attorneys declined to make an opening statement after state bar prosecutor Donald Steedman's brief opening remarks laid out the seven State Bar charges.