Opinion
Case No. SC03-1700.
December 22, 2003.
Lower Tribunal No. 2002-50,880(17J)FFC.
Pursuant to 3-7.2(f)(2) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, respondent is hereby suspended. Further, the Petition to Modify, filed October 7, 2003, is referred to a referee for a hearing and recommendation only as to the appropriate length of the suspension. The referee appointed to preside in this matter shall conduct a prompt hearing and within ninety (90) days shall submit a report and recommendation to the Court.
The suspension shall be effective thirty (30) days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty (30) days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until the suspension expires.
See Rule 3-5.1(g) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
Not final until times expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing shall not alter the effective date of this suspension.
ANSTEAD, C.J., and WELLS, PARIENTE, QUINCE, CANTERO and BELL, JJ., concur.