Title: Matter of Abney

State: south-carolina

Issuer: South Carolina Supreme Court

Document:

447 S.E.2d 848 (1994) In the Matter of Vernon E. ABNEY, Respondent. No. 24127. Supreme Court of South Carolina. Heard June 4, 1994. Decided July 18, 1994. Attorney General T. Travis Medlock, Asst. Atty. Gen., James G. Bogle, Jr., and Deputy Atty. Gen., William K. Moore, Columbia, for complainant. Vernon E. Abney, pro se respondent. PER CURIAM: In this attorney discipline matter, Vernon E. Abney (Abney) is charged with multiple acts of misconduct involving neglect of legal matters entrusted to him, conversion of clients' funds and payments due to thirdparty medical providers, forgery, and failure to co-operate with the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline (Board). This Court previously temporarily suspended Abney's license to practice law. We now find disbarment to be the appropriate sanction. Abney, through his attorney,[1] stipulated to the following acts of misconduct: *850 The foregoing stipulations were entered into the record at the Board's Panel hearing. Additionally, witnesses were called to testify and arguments were heard. Abney was not present at the hearing.[3] The Panel found that Abney was guilty of professional misconduct in the above matters and recommended disbarment. It noted that Abney's misconduct stems from alcohol and cocaine abuse, and urged him to continue with his treatment. The Executive Committee, agreeing with the findings of the Panel, recommends disbarment. It is well established that this Court has the sole authority to discipline attorneys and to determine the appropriate sanction. Matter of Solomon, 307 S.C. 1, 413 S.E.2d 808 (1992). Addiction to alcohol or drugs will not excuse conduct on the part of the attorney warranting disbarment. In the Matter of McKenzie Allen Perry, Jr., 291 S.C. 124, 352 S.E.2d 479 (1991); In the Matter of Lempesis, 293 S.C. 510, 362 S.E.2d 10 (1987). We agree with the Board that Abney is guilty of the following professional misconduct and conclude that disbarment is the appropriate sanction: Abney is disbarred from the practice of law in this state as of March 16, 1992, the date on which he was temporarily suspended. He shall, within fifteen (15) days of the date of service upon him of this opinion, surrender his license to practice law to the Clerk of Court and shall comply with all other requirements set forth in the Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. DISBARRED. [1] Abney has since discharged his attorney and is Pro Se. [2] Abney denied forging Salters' signature on the check. [3] Abney petitions that this matter be remanded to the Board for another hearing, contending that his attorney failed to give him notice of the hearing before the Panel. We agree with the Board that Abney was given adequate notice of the hearing.