Case Title: The Florida Bar v. Richard Lee Buckle

Citation: 

Docket Number: SC10-1533

State: florida

Court: Florida Supreme Court

Date: 2013-03-28T00:00:00Z

Document:
Supreme Court of Florida 
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 
 
                                                          CASE NO(S).:  SC10-1533 
                                                          Lower Tribunal No(s).:  2008-11,289(12C) 
 
THE FLORIDA BAR 
vs. 
 
RICHARD LEE BUCKLE 
Complainant(s) 
 
Respondent(s) 
 
 
After reviewing the report of the referee and considering the case at oral 
argument, the Court approves the referee’s findings of fact and recommendations 
of guilt.  The Court disapproves the referee’s recommended sanction of 
disbarment.  Respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law for one year, 
effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his 
practice and protect the interests of existing clients.  If respondent notifies this 
Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to 
protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension 
effective immediately.  Respondent shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the 
Florida Bar 3-5.1(h).  In addition, respondent shall accept no new business from 
the date this order is filed until he is reinstated. 
 
As a condition for reinstatement, respondent must provide a report from a 
board certified mental health professional, who is approved by The Florida Bar and 
who has evaluated respondent.  For respondent to be reinstated, the report must 
state that respondent is competent to represent clients and fit to be a member of 
The Florida Bar.  See Fla. Bar v. Germain, 957 So. 2d 613, 625 (Fla. 2007). 
 
Case No. SC10-1533 
Page 2 
 
 
 
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, 
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Richard Lee Buckle in 
the amount of $4,712.52, 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. 
 
POLSTON, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, LABARGA, and PERRY, JJ., concur. 
CANADY, J., concurs in part and dissents in part, with an opinion. 
QUINCE, J., recused. 
 
 
CANADY, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part. 
 
I would approve the referee’s recommended sanction of disbarment. 
 
A True Copy 
Test: 
 
aa 
Served: 
KENNETH LAWRENCE MARVIN 
L. NORMAN VAUGHAN-BIRCH 
LISA BUZZETTI HURLEY 
RICHARD LEE BUCKLE 
HON. JANEICE TRIPPE MARTIN, JUDGE