Opinion
No. SC09-681.
April 16, 2009.
Lower Tribunal No(s). 2009-50,670(17E)FFC.
The Florida Bar having filed on April 16, 2009, Notice of Determination or Judgment of Guilt, it is ordered that Howard Seth Gaines is suspended from The Florida Bar pursuant to 3-7.2(f) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, and it is further
ORDERED that this suspension shall be 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 accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated.
The above matter has been referred to the Chief Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit for the appointment of a referee pursuant to rule 3-7.2(h).
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.