DocketNumber： Disciplinary Board Docket No. 22 D.B. 88
Judges： Eckell, Schiller
Filed Date： 11/19/1991
Status： Precedential
Modified Date： 10/18/2024
To the Honorable Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania,
Pursuant to Rule 208(d)(2)(iii) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement, the Disciplinary Board of the
HISTORY OF PROCEEDINGS
Respondent, [ ], bom in 1947, was admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in October of 1972. Respondent currently resides at [ ]•
On April 23, 1987, in the Court of Common Pleas of [A] County, respondent was convicted of three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance in violation of 35 P.S. §§780-113(A)(30), and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia in violation of 35 P.S. §§780-113(A)(32). On August 26,1987, in regard to the delivery charge, respondent was sentenced to 6 to 23 months imprisonment with work release, a fine of $1,200 or in lieu thereof, 400 hours of community service work and restitution of $100. On the possession charge, respondent was given a suspended sentence with probation for one year and a fine of $300 in lieu thereof, 100 hours of community service.
By opinion and order filed November 10, 1988, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania reversed respondent’s criminal conviction and remanded the case for a new trial. On May 11, 1989, Judge [B] accepted the respondent’s plea of guilty pursuant to 35 P.S. §§780-117 also known as section 17. Respondent was placed on probation without a verdict for a period of 36 months, which was subsequently reduced to 24 months by order dated June 8,1989. Respondent was also fined $1,200
In the interim, respondent timely notified the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of his original conviction. As a result, respondent was placed on suspension pursuant to Rule 214(d) Pa.R.D.E. by order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania dated March 4, 1988. On August 28, 1989, Office of Disciplinary Counsel filed a petition for discipline against respondent in which it was alleged that respondent’s conduct constituted a violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(3) (conduct involving moral turpitude), D.R. 1-102(A)(5) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and D.R. 1-102(A)(6) (conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law). On February 9, 1990, respondent through counsel, [C], filed an answer to the petition for discipline. In his answer, respondent admitted the underlying factual basis for the conviction and admitted a violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(6). By new matter, respondent raised in mitigation the circumstances of his drug and alcohol addiction and his subsequent rehabilitation.
On September 21, 1989, the matter was referred to Hearing Committee [ ], but subsequently reassigned on March 27, 1990, to Hearing Committee [ ] comprised of [ ], [ ] and [ ]. A hearing was held on May 22, 1990. On November 30, 1990, the Hearing Committee filed its report in which the committee recommended that respondent be suspended from the prac
FINDINGS OF FACT
In 1969, respondent earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from [D] College in [E], Pennsylvania. Respondent graduated from the [D] School of Law, located in [E], Pennsylvania, in 1972 and was admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in October of 1972. Respondent was also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the [ ] District of Pennsylvania. After graduating from law school, respondent served as a law clerk for the Honorable [F], who was the president judge of the Court of Common Pleas of [A] County. Respondent retained the law clerk position until the summer of 1974 when he became a full-time assistant district attorney in the [A] County District Attorney’s Office. In 1976, respondent left the District Attorney’s Office and accepted the position of part-time chief public defender of [A] County, which he held until 1980. While employed in the capacity of assistant district attorney and chief public defender, respondent handled numerous criminal matters, including drug offenses. In 1980, respondent formed a partnership in [G] with two other attorneys which was known as [ ]. The partnership was dissolved in 1982 at which time respondent became
During the time respondent practiced law, he was a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, American Bar Association and the [A] County Bar Association. Respondent was an active member of the [A] County Bar Association; he served as the committee chairman of the Public Relations Committee, served on the Budget Committee and on the Bench-Bar Committee. During his years as a practicing lawyer, respondent lectured at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute continuing legal education courses and gave lectures at various colleges in the area to students studying constitutional law and the criminal justice system. Respondent worked with both [A] College and [G] Area Community College in regard to the colleges’ intern and student share programs. Respondent was active in politics. In 1978, respondent ran for the Pennsylvania State Assembly and in 1983 respondent ran for district attorney of [A] County. However, both bids were unsuccessful.
Respondent is a recovering alcohol and drug addict. During the pertinent time of his arrest, respondent was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Respondent’s problem with alcohol began in the late 1960’s and became serious in 1982 when he began drinking on a daily basis at the end of each work day. In 1982, respondent began using marijuana and/or cocaine to enhance the affect of the alcohol. By the time respondent was arrested in March of 1985, respondent was using cocaine on a weekly basis. Despite his arrest, respondent continued using drugs and alcohol until September of 1986. At
The circumstances which led to respondent’s arrest began in the early 1980’s when respondent met a woman named [H]. Respondent began representing Mrs. [¶] and her husband in regard to various business matters and subsequently respondent represented Mrs. [¶] in her divorce. At this time, respondent became aware that Mrs. [¶] was a cocaine dealer. Between 1982 and 1984, respondent purchased cocaine from Mrs. [¶] for his own personal use. In July of 1984, respondent gave Mrs. [¶] a gram of cocaine in lieu of payment of $100 that he owed her for cocaine. Respondent testified that he did not have the money at the time. On March 15, 1985, Mrs. [¶] asked respondent if he knew where she could get some cocaine for her boyfriend’s birthday the next day. Respondent perceived this situation as a prime opportunity to secure a future supply of cocaine. Respondent knew Mrs. [¶] dealt in cocaine and brought large amounts into the area. He believed that if he did Mrs. [¶] a favor on this occasion, she would return the favor at a later date when she received her normal supply of cocaine. Thus, on March 15 and 16, 1985, respondent sold to Mrs. [¶] a little less than a half gram of cocaine on each date at $45 per half gram. Respondent obtained one half of the amount of cocaine from the supply
On approximately March 18, 1985, respondent was arrested and on April 23,1987, convicted of possession and delivery of a controlled substance. News of respondent’s arrest and subsequent criminal proceeding was publicized in the [G] and [ ] newspapers. As a result of the conviction, respondent was sentenced to 6 to 24 months of incarceration. Respondent served four months in the [A] County prison on work release before his conviction was subsequently reversed by the Superior Court. Thereafter, the court approved respondent’s petition for treatment in lieu of a sentence pursuant to section 17 of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. Respondent is presently on probation until May of 1991. When respondent completes his probation, he may petition the court for expungement of his record.
Following his conviction, respondent timely notified Office of Disciplinary Counsel of his conviction pursuant to Rule 214 Pa.R.D.E. Respondent was immediately suspended from the practice of law by order of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court dated March 4, 1988. However, respondent actually ceased practicing law in June of 1987. Respondent has not sought to petition the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to lift his interim suspension, despite the reversal of his conviction.
Prior to respondent’s conviction and subsequent reversal, on September 26, 1986, respondent entered an
Following his release from [I], respondent continued his therapy through out-patient counseling with a group called “[K],” located in [G]. When the “[K]” went out of business in April of 1987, respondent was counseled by Reverend [L], chief minister of [M] Episcopal Church in [G]. Reverend [L] is certified as a clinical member counselor of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. In 1988, respondent was also attending counseling sessions at the [ ] House, but stopped attending in July of 1988 when the staff indicated that he no longer required out-patient counseling. Respondent became a member of Alcoholics Anonymous of which he is now treasurer and a member of the Public Information Committee. Respondent attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings once a week.
From 1988 to the present time, respondent has dedicated much time and effort to helping others who are suffering from drag or alcohol addiction and other related problems. Respondent is on the board and is a volunteer worker at the [ ] Center, a pre-release treatment facility for women waiting for parole. Respondent helps the women deal with their addiction and become integrated members of society. Respondent is also active with the [M] Episcopal Church. Respondent delivers an annual sermon on the subject of
At the time respondent entered the work release program in September of 1987, he began working as a paralegal with the law firm of [N] located in [G], Pennsylvania. At the present time, respondent is divorced and supports his two sons who both attend college by working for the [N] firm and other attorneys in the [A] County area as an independent contractor. As an independent contractor, respondent researches issues and writes legal briefs in support of motions, as well as appellate court briefs. Respondent’s work is supervised by the attorneys and at no time did respondent engage in the practice of law. Respondent has main
DISCUSSION
In the instant case, respondent committed the serious offense of possessing and delivering cocaine. The issue before the Disciplinary Board is twofold: Whether respondent’s misconduct constitutes a violation of the Disciplinary Rules of the Code of Professional Responsibility as charged in the petition for discipline and a determination of the appropriate discipline to be imposed. The Hearing Committee recommended that respondent receive a three-year suspension from the practice of law retroactive to March 4, 1988. Neither respondent nor petitioner filed a brief on exceptions to the report and recommendation of the Hearing Committee. The Disciplinary Board’s review of this matter is de novo. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Lucarini, 504 Pa. 271, 275, 472 A.2d 186, 188 (1983).
A. Disciplinary Rules Violated
There is no dispute that respondent’s conduct constitutes a violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(6) which prohibits an attorney from engaging in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law. In his answer to the petition for discipline, respondent admits he violated D.R. 1-102(A)(6) and the record fully supports such a determination.
Respondent denies violating D.R. 1-102(A)(3) which prohibits engaging in conduct involving moral turpitude. Respondent argues that his conduct of selling cocaine was directly related to his addiction. Although the
In regard to D.R. 1-1Q2(A)(5) — which prohibits an attorney from engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, Office of Disciplinary Counsel argued in its brief to the Hearing Committee that respondent violated this rule by his illegal use of drugs while serving in the capacity of an assistant district attorney and public defender. In support of its argument, Office of Disciplinary Counsel cites In re Anonymous No. 60 D.B. 83, 33 D.&C.3d 187 (1984). In that case, an assistant district attorney openly used cocaine in the presence of members of the public, consorted with known drug dealers, and pled guilty to possession of cocaine.
The Hearing Committee determined that the evidence presented at the hearing was not clear and convincing to prove that respondent’s conduct constituted a violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(5). The Hearing Committee
Although the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has not defined with exactitude the boundary of the conduct proscribed by D.R. 1-102(A)(5), a review of Pennsylvania case law reveals the parameter of the application of this rule. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Campbell, 463 Pa. 472, 345 A.2d 616, 622 (1975). The purpose of this rule as applied in Pennsylvania case law is to protect against any dishonest or disruptive conduct which would impede, delay or circumvent or by outward appearance, manipulate a judicial proceeding before a court of law or a disciplinary proceeding before the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or an authorized investigation into a criminal matter.
Cases involving an attorney engaging in dishonest conduct before a court of law in violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(5) are as follows: In re Anonymous 72 D.B. 83, 35 D.&C.3d 356 (1985) (Respondent filed pleadings without regard to the truthfulness or lack thereof); In re Anonymous 92 D.B. 86, 59 D.B. 87, 5 D.&C.4th 225 (1989) (Respondent lied to the court in order to obtain a continuance of a hearing); In re Anonymous
Cases involving an attorney engaging in disruptive conduct which impedes or delays a proceeding before a court of law in violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(5) are as follows: In re Anonymous 3 D.B. 90 (Respondent failed to respond to court orders and was held in contempt of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the [ ] District of Pennsylvania; and In re Anonymous 37 D.B. 81, 23 D.&C.3d 411 (1982) (Respondent who was appointed master in a divorce case in the Court of Common
Cases involving an attorney engaging in dishonest or disruptive conduct to impede an authorized investigation into a criminal matter in violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(5) include the following: In re Anonymous 13 D.B. 76, 5 D.&C.3d 210 (1977) (Respondent, in the course of receiving a traffic violation citation, committed an assault and battery on a state police officer); Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Simon, 510 Pa. 312, 507 A.2d 1215 (1986) (Respondent, convicted of federal drug charges refused to inform authorities of the identity of the ultimate purchaser of cocaine); and In re Anonymous 58 D.B. 82 (Respondent failed to voluntarily disclose that he had taken the bar examination on behalf of his wife to either the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners or the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office).
Cases involving an attorney engaging in conduct which gives the appearance that a judicial proceeding can be manipulated in violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(5) are as follows: In re Anonymous 60 D.B. 83, 33 D.&C.3d 187 (1984) (Respondent failed as a district attorney to take any action against a drug dealer who showed respondent 500 pounds of marijuana); In re Anonymous 76 D.B. 83, 47 D.&C.3d 138 (1987) (Respondent, as a public defender accepted from a client a non-solicited
In the instant matter, respondent sold cocaine to his client while engaged in a sole practice of law. Although respondent’s conduct was a violation of the Pennsylvania Criminal Statutes, it in no way impeded, delayed, circumvented or outwardly appeared to manipulate a judicial proceeding. To charge respondent with a violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(5) under the facts presented in this case would be to make this Rule too broad. This Rule should be considered in the context of misconduct as outlined in the cases cited above.
Further support for this conclusion is found in the comments of Hazard & Hodes in their Handbook on Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In discussing the rule regarding engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, Hazard & Hodes observed as follows:
“This subsection, like subsection (c), was brought forward from the Code of Professional Responsibility by the ABA House of Delegates. It overlaps with a large number of the Rules in part 3 of the Model Rules, for almost all the limits upon advocacy are designed to protect ‘the administration of justice.’ Asserting frivolous claims (Rule 3.1), delaying litigation (Rule 3.2), misrepresenting or falsifying evidence (Rules 3.3 and 3.4), disrupting a tribunal (Rule 3.5), and making prejudicial out-of-court statements (Rule 3.6) are all ‘prejudicial to the administration of justice.’ Since violation of any of these Rules is also a violation of Rule 8.4(a), Rule 8.4(d) would appear to be somewhat redundant.
*89 “The larger problem with Rule 8.4(d) [engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice] is that other, as yet undefined, conduct will be found to be prejudicial to the administration of justice by a disciplinary authority that wishes to punish a lawyer. New disciplinary authorities have succumbed to that temptation, but there have been cases where ‘anti-establishment’ or maverick lawyers have been prosecuted on that basis. To avoid this danger, Rule 8.4(d) should be construed to include only clear violations of accepted practice norms.” Hazard & Hodes, Law of Lawyering: Handbook on the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (1985), p. 569.
B. Recommended Discipline
As directed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the board’s duty is to examine the nature and extent of the underlying conduct and focus its inquiry on whether respondent’s conduct makes him unfit to practice law from the standpoint of protecting the public. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Casety, 511 Pa. 177, 512 A.2d 607, 609 (1986). The primary purpose of our system of lawyer discipline is to protect the public, as opposed to punishing the attorney. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Lucarini, 504 Pa. 271, 281, 472 A.2d 186, 190 (1983). Sanctions are to be imposed in accord with the misconduct and based on the circumstances unique to each particular case. Id. at 281, 472 A.2d at 190.
The matter before the board is of a grave and serious nature. Respondent used, possessed and sold cocaine. At the time respondent used cocaine, he was an officer of the court involved with the prosecution and defense
As stated, respondent does not have a prior disciplinary history and his misconduct was not motivated by greed or personal gain. Respondent did not sell cocaine for a monetary profit; he sold cocaine to his client, a known drug dealer, because he was an addict. Respondent explained that amongst cocaine users there is a camaraderie which compelled him to sell the cocaine to his client as a favor. Respondent believed Ms. [¶] would return his favor by sharing her supply of cocaine with respondent at a later date. Respondent never sold cocaine to any other person. Respondent’s cocaine and alcohol addiction is an appropriate consideration as a mitigating factor in a disciplinary proceeding. Of
“In [respondent’s] case it was seen that his alcohol and drug use progressed such that his judgment was grossly impaired to a point where he became involved in drug circles. To a sober, responsible lawyer and officer of the court, this involvement would be unthinkable, unimaginable. And yet, to a person who has alcoholism it simply becomes a fact of his existence. His sensitivity to the enormous implications of this behavior becomes diminished, numbed.”
Respondent has fully admitted his wrongdoing and cooperated with Office of Disciplinary Counsel throughout the proceeding. Finally, the board considers in mitigation respondent’s extensive contributions to his community and involvement in community activities designed to help persons who are suffering from addiction and other related problems. The record is replete with positive testimony of respondent’s rehabilitation and present fitness to practice law.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Respondent has violated the following Disciplinary Rules of the Code of Professional Responsibility:
(1) D.R. 1-102(A)(3) — prohibiting an attorney from engaging in illegal conduct involving moral turpitude; and
(2) D.R. 1-102(A)(6) — prohibiting an attorney from engaging in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law.
RECOMMENDATION
The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania respectfully recommends that respondent [ ] be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years retroactive to March 4, 1988, the date on which respondent was placed on interim suspension by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
It is further recommended that the court direct that respondent pay all the necessary expenses incurred in the investigation and processing of this matter pursuant to Rule 208(g), Pa.R.D.E.
Messrs. Brown and Hill did not participate in the adjudication.