Opinion
2012-05-8
In the Matter of Neil H. BRAUNSTEIN, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 031821994).
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 11–250, concluding that as a matter of final discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20–13(c), NEIL H. BRAUNSTEIN of FANWOOD, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1995, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year based on respondent's conviction in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County, to third-degree attempted criminal coercion by an official, conduct that violates RPC 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on an attorney's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer);
And respondent having been ordered to show cause why he should be not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that NEIL H. BRAUNSTEIN is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and until the further Order of the Court, effective immediately; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall submit proof of his fitness to practice law as attested to by a mental health professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent comply with Rule 1:20–20 dealing with suspended attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that pursuant to Rule 1:20–20(c), respondent's failure to comply with the Affidavit of Compliance requirement of Rule 1:20–20(b)(15) may (1) preclude the Disciplinary Review Board from considering respondent's petition for reinstatement for a period of up to six months from the date respondent files proof of compliance; (2) be found to constitute a violation of RPC 8.1(b) and RPC 8.4(c); and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10–2; and it is further
ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20–17.