Opinion
M-1430
June 3, 2003.
Disciplinary proceedings instituted by the Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department. Respondent Richard A. Sbeglia was admitted to the Bar at a Term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for the Second Department on May 14, 1980.
Mady L. Edelstein, of counsel (Thomas J. Cahill, Chief Counsel), for petitioner.
Respondent pro se.
Before: Andrias, J.P., Saxe, Lerner, Friedman, Marlow, JJ.
Respondent, Richard A. Sbeglia, was admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York by the Second Judicial Department on May 14, 1980. At all times relevant to these proceedings, respondent maintained an office for the practice of law within the First Judicial Department.
The Departmental Disciplinary Committee moves pursuant to 22 NYCRR 603.11, for an order accepting respondent's affidavit of resignation from the practice of law based upon his inability to successfully defend himself against charges of misconduct pending before the Committee.
Respondent submits his resignation pursuant to 22 NYCRR 603.11, which provides that an attorney who is the subject of a disciplinary proceeding pending in a court may resign by submitting an affidavit of resignation to the Committee. The affidavit must state that his resignation is voluntary, that he is aware of the disciplinary proceedings against him, and that he can not successfully defend himself against the charges.
Respondent's affidavit satisfies these criteria. In it, he acknowledges that there are three complaints filed against him alleging that he submitted documents bearing forged signatures to obtain financing on two real estate properties located in Brooklyn and one in Nassau County. He acknowledges that he has no defense to this charge and avers that he is resigning voluntarily, with full awareness of the implications. Respondent further acknowledges his on-going obligation to act in good faith to make complete restitution with respect to any matter where his misconduct has caused monetary damages.
Accordingly, respondent's resignation should be accepted and his name stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.
All concur.
Order filed.
Resignation accepted. Respondent's name stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York, nunc pro tunc to March 14, 2003.