Opinion
Case No. SC03-970.
November 6, 2003.
Respondent's uncontested amended petition for disciplinary resignation without leave to seek readmission, filed pursuant to Rule 3-7.12 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, is granted, subject to the continuing jurisdiction of this Court. See Florida Bar v. Ross, 732 So.2d 1037, 1040-42 (Fla. 1998). Further, respondent is directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the amended petition. Disciplinary resignation is tantamount to disbarment. Florida Bar v. Hale, 762 So.2d 515 (Fla. 2000). The disciplinary resignation 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 resignation effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed. Inasmuch as respondent's disciplinary resignation petition was submitted without leave to seek readmission, his resignation is permanent.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from James Gaultney Etheredge in the amount of $1,452.47, 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 resignation.
ANSTEAD, C.J., and WELLS, PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANTERO and BELL, JJ., concur.