Case Title: The Florida Bar v. Beasley

Citation: 351 So. 2d 959

Docket Number: 

State: florida

Court: Florida Supreme Court

Date: 1977-09-15T00:00:00Z

Document:
351 So. 2d 959 (1977)
THE FLORIDA BAR, Complainant,
v.
Alton S. BEASLEY, Respondent.
No. 50313.

Supreme Court of Florida.
September 15, 1977.
Rehearing Denied December 5, 1977.
Sherman N. Smith, III, Bar Counsel, Vero Beach, Michael C. Whittington, Asst. Staff Counsel, Tampa, and James P. Hollaway, Asst. Staff Counsel, Tallahassee, for the Florida Bar, complainant.
Philip G. Butler, Jr. of Foley, Colton & Butler, West Palm Beach, for respondent.
PER CURIAM.
This disciplinary proceeding against Alton Beasley, a member of The Florida Bar, is before us on complaint of The Florida Bar, report of the referee, petition for review filed by Beasley and cross-petition of The Florida Bar.
After considering the pleadings and evidence, the referee made the following findings:
The referee recommends that respondent be found guilty of violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(3), D.R. 1-102(A)(6) and Rule 11.02(3)(b), Article XI, Integration Rule of The Florida Bar, and not guilty of violation of D.R. 1-102(A)(4).
Having carefully reviewed the record and briefs, we approve the findings and recommendations of the referee as to guilt.
As to the disciplinary measure to be imposed, the referee recommends that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a period of twenty-four months and thereafter until he shall prove his rehabilitation.
The Bar suggests that, under the circumstances, the recommended penalty is too lenient since a lawyer who is willing to forsake his client for his own personal goals demonstrates a lack of moral character and fitness required of a member of the Bar. We would agree with the Bar and find that disbarment is warranted.
Accordingly, respondent, Alton S. Beasley, is hereby disbarred. The disbarment shall be effective on October 3, 1977, thereby giving respondent time to close out his practice and take the necessary steps to protect his clients, and it is ordered that respondent shall not accept any new business. The filing of a petition for rehearing shall not alter the effective date of this disbarment. Execution is directed to issue for the costs of these proceedings against the respondent in the amount of $1,051.26.
It is so ordered.
OVERTON, C.J., and BOYD, SUNDBERG, HATCHETT and KARL, JJ., concur.