Opinion
SC2024-0739
07-31-2024
The Florida Bar, Petitioner(s) v. Charles Edwin Lykes Jr., Respondent(s)
Lower Tribunal No(s).: 2024-10,705 (6A) (OSC)
This is before the Court on The Florida Bar's Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause.
The Court having issued its Order to Show Cause to Respondent, and Respondent having failed to file a response to said Order to Show Cause, IT IS ORDERED that The Florida Bar's petition is granted and Respondent is held in contempt of this Court. As a sanction, Respondent is suspended from the practice of law effective 30 days from the date of this order so that Respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. Respondent will remain suspended until he fully responds in writing to the official inquiries contained in "Exhibit 1" and "Exhibit 2" of the Bar's petition, and until further order of this Court. If Respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the 30 days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent must fully comply with Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 3-5.1(h). Respondent must also fully comply with Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 3-6.1, if applicable. In addition, Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated. Once the suspension takes effect, Respondent will remain suspended until further order of this Court.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Charles Edwin Lykes Jr., in the amount of $1,250.00, for which sum let execution issue.
Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing shall not alter the effective date of this suspension.
MUNIZ, C.J, and CANADY, LABARGA, COURIEL, GROSSHANS, FRANCIS, and SASSO, JJ, concur