Opinion
No. Case No. SC09-2318.
March 19, 2010.
Lower Tribunal No(s). 2010-90,071(OSC).
The Court, having considered the Bar's Petition for Contempt, the respondent's response and the Bar's reply concludes that the series of acts and omissions on the part of respondent constitute a serious violation of the terms of respondent's conditional admission in Case No. SC05-399, a conditional admission authorized pursuant to Rule 1-3.2(b) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. The Court expects strict adherence to all the terms and conditions set forth in conditional admissions.
In this case, the violations over a two-year period of time were not brought to the attention of this Court previously, and the Court is concerned about the number of violations over this period of time. The Court is not persuaded by the reasons for non-compliance provided by the respondent.
Accordingly, the Court hereby suspends the respondent from the practice of law for 90 days, 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 Court further refers this matter to the Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit for the appointment of a referee to determine if any other sanctions should be imposed, including the revocation of the respondent's conditional admission.
It is so ordered.
QUINCE, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, CANADY, POLSTON, LABARGA, and PERRY, JJ., concur.