Title: Disciplinary Counsel v. Houser

State: ohio

Issuer: Ohio Supreme Court

Document:

[Cite as Disciplinary Counsel v. Houser, 94 Ohio St.3d 1209, 2001-Ohio-4385.] 
 
 
OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL v. HOUSER. 
[Cite as Disciplinary Counsel v. Houser (2001), 94 Ohio St.3d 1209.] 
Attorneys at law — Misconduct — Reciprocal discipline from California — Six-
month suspension stayed with two-year probation on conditions — Gov.Bar 
R. V(11)(F)(4). 
(No. 01-1718 — Submitted and decided December 20, 2001.) 
ON CERTIFIED ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA, No. S095786. 
__________________ 
 
This cause is pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio in accordance with 
the reciprocal discipline provisions of Gov.Bar R. V(11)(F). 
 
On September 25, 2001, relator, Disciplinary Counsel, filed with this court a 
certified copy of an order of the Supreme Court of California entered May 15, 2001, 
in In re William John Houser, Jr., in case No. S095786, suspending respondent, 
William John Houser, Jr., for six months, with the suspension stayed, and placing 
respondent on probation for two years subject to the conditions of probation.  On 
October 30, 2001, this court ordered respondent to show cause why identical or 
comparable discipline should not be imposed in this state.  Respondent filed no 
response to the show cause order.  This cause was considered by the court and on 
consideration thereof, 
 
IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED by this court that pursuant to Gov.Bar 
R. V(11)(F)(4), respondent, William John Houser, Jr., Attorney Registration No. 
0026900, last known business address in Reseda, California, be suspended from the 
practice of law for six months with the suspension stayed and respondent placed on 
probation for a period of two years on condition.  It is further ordered that respondent 
may not apply for termination of probation in Ohio until such time as his probation is 
terminated in the state of California. 
SUPREME COURT OF OHIO 
2 
 
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, sua sponte, by the court, that within ninety 
days of the date of this order, respondent shall reimburse any amounts that have been 
awarded against the respondent by the Clients’ Security Fund pursuant to Gov.Bar R. 
VIII(7)(F).  It is further ordered, sua sponte, by the court that if, after the date of this 
order, the Clients’ Security Fund awards any amount against the respondent pursuant 
to Gov.Bar R. VIII(7)(F), the respondent shall reimburse that amount to the Clients’ 
Security Fund within ninety days of the notice of such award. 
 
IF IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent’s probation will not be 
terminated until (1) respondent files an application for termination of probation in 
accordance with Gov.Bar R. V(9)(D); (2) respondent files proof with this court 
demonstrating that he is no longer on probation in California; (3) respondent 
complies with this order and all other orders issued by this court; (4) respondent 
complies with the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio; and (5) this court 
issues an order terminating respondent’s probation. 
 
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, sua sponte, that all documents filed with this 
court in this case shall meet the filing requirements set forth in the Rules of Practice 
of the Supreme Court of Ohio, including requirements as to form, number, and 
timeliness of filings. 
 
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, sua sponte, that service shall be deemed made 
on respondent by sending this order, and all other orders in this case, by certified mail 
to the most recent address respondent has given to the Attorney Registration Office. 
 
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of this court issue certified copies 
of this order as provided for in Gov.Bar R. V(8)(D)(1), that publication be made as 
provided for in Gov.Bar R. V(8)(D)(2), and that respondent bear the costs of 
publication. 
 
MOYER, C.J., DOUGLAS, RESNICK, F.E. SWEENEY, PFEIFER, COOK and 
LUNDBERG STRATTON, JJ., concur. 
__________________