Opinion
S240904
06-23-2017
COATS ON DISCIPLINE
Recommended discipline imposed
The court orders that RICHARD DENNIS COATS, State Bar Number 117285, is suspended from the practice of law in California for two years, execution of that period of suspension is stayed, and he is placed on probation for three years subject to the following conditions:
1. RICHARD DENNIS COATS is suspended from the practice of law for the first one year of probation;
2. RICHARD DENNIS COATS must comply with the other conditions of probation recommended by the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court in its Order Approving Stipulation filed on February 1, 2017; and
3. At the expiration of the period of probation, if RICHARD DENNIS COATS has complied with all conditions of probation, the period of stayed suspension will be satisfied and that suspension will be terminated.
RICHARD DENNIS COATS must also comply with California Rules of Court, rule 9.20, and perform the acts specified in subdivisions (a) and (c) of that rule within 30 and 40 calendar days, respectively, after the effective date of this order. Failure to do so may result in disbarment or suspension.
Costs are awarded to the State Bar in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6086.10 and are enforceable both as provided in Business and Professions Code section 6140.7 and as a money judgment.