Opinion
No. SC13–1382.
02-16-2015
THE FLORIDA BAR, Complainant(s) v. James Newell CHARLES, Respondent(s).
PROPOSED ORDER
The report of the referee is approved as to the referee's findings but disapproved as to the referee's recommended sanction and this Court instead imposes a one year suspension from the practice of law, effective thirty 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 days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3–5.1(h). In addition, respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated. Any pending motions or requests for relief are hereby denied.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399–2300, for recovery of costs from James Newell Charles in the amount of $3,790.85, for which sum let execution issue.
Not final until time 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.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and PERRY, JJ., concur.