Opinion
D-107-2020
10-06-2021
In the Matter of Dominic V. Caruso, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 001061979)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 20-191, recommending that Dominic V. Caruso of Clifton, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1979, be disbarred for violating RPC 1.15(a) and the principles of In re Wilson, 81 N.J. 451 (1979) and In re Hollendonner, 102 N.J. 21 (1985) (knowing misappropriation of client and escrow funds), RPC 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on a lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer - by misapplication of entrusted property, contrary to NJ.S.A. 2C:21-15), and RPC 8.4(c)(conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation);
And Dominic V. Caruso having been ordered to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having considered the briefs of the parties and the arguments of counsel and having concluded from its review of the record that respondent had negligently, and not knowingly, misappropriated funds, in violation of RPC 1.15 (a), and that the additional charges of unethical conduct (RJPC 8.4(b) and RPC (c)) therefore should be dismissed;
And the Court having determined that a six-month suspension from practice is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Dominic V. Caruso is hereby suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective November 5, 2021, and until the further Order of the Court; 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.
WITNESS, the Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice, at Trenton, this 5th day of October, 2021.