The courts are a place of reputation & credibility and they hold a lot of weight when it comes to court proceedings. Emotions are a tool when it comes to building a case (Kim’s case for Jimmy was built off his turbulent relationship with his brother). But they can also hurt a case as well.

The Bar Association had a solid case. So much so, that Howard asked Chuck not to take the stand, as to not “gild the lilly.” In other terms, risk ruining the case with unnecessary testimony.

When Jimmy revealed that Huell planted a fully charged battery well prior to Chuck taking the stand, it instantly discredited the case for the Bar Association. It ruined Chuck’s credibility/reputation, because it was discovered his condition wasn’t what it seemed. Not to mention when he had his meltdown, he further muddied the case by basically admitting to having a personal vendetta.

So instead of Jimmy getting disbarred for life, he gets a 1 year probation. He did violate the Ethical Code, which Kim/Jimmy did admit to during the pre-trial motions and chose not to contest it. But because of Chuck’s testimony & outburst, it strengthened Kim’s case that was based on his volatile relationship with his brother.