Opinion
A23-0396
08-04-2023
IN RE Petition for DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST Fred W. INMAN, a Minnesota Attorney, Registration No. 0303689.
ORDER
The Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility filed a petition for disciplinary action alleging that respondent Fred W. Inman committed professional misconduct warranting public discipline—namely, being convicted in Washington State of the felony offense of second-degree possession of a depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. See Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 8.4(b).
The parties entered into a stipulation for discipline. In it, respondent waives his rights pursuant to Rule 14, Rules on Lawyers Professional Responsibility (RLPR), and unconditionally admits the allegations of the petition. The parties recommend that the appropriate discipline is a 5-year suspension.
We issued an order directing the parties to file memoranda of law showing cause why respondent should not be disbarred. In re Inman , No. A23-0396, Order at 2 (Minn. filed May 25, 2023). Both parties filed a response.
We have independently reviewed the file and approve the jointly recommended disposition.
Based upon all the files, records, and proceedings herein,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. Respondent Fred W. Inman is indefinitely suspended from the practice of law, with no right to petition for reinstatement for 5 years.
2. Respondent may petition for reinstatement pursuant to Rule 18(a)–(d), RLPR. Reinstatement is conditioned on:
(a) successful completion of the written examination required for admission to the practice of law by the Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners on the subject of professional responsibility, see Rule 18(e)(2), RLPR ; see also Rule 4.A.(5), Rules for Admission to the Bar (requiring evidence that an applicant has successfully completed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination);
(b) satisfaction of continuing legal education requirements, see Rule 18(e)(4), RLPR ; and
(c) successful completion of any sex offender treatment required as a term of his Washington sentence. If sex offender treatment was not ordered as part of respondent's Washington sentence, then respondent will undergo a psychosexual evaluation by an evaluator approved by the Director and successfully complete any recommended treatment.
3. Respondent shall comply with Rule 26, RLPR (requiring notice of suspension to clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals), and shall pay $900 in costs pursuant to Rule 24(a), RLPR.
BY THE COURT:
/s/ Natalie E. Hudson
Natalie E. Hudson
Associate Justice