No. 84860

# FILED JUL 01 202

HIEF DEPUTY CLERK BY IN THE SUPREME COURT OFTHE STATE OF NEVADA

IN THE MATTER OF DISCIPLINE OF DOUGLAS C. CRAWFORD, BAR NO. 181.

ORDER GRANTING PETITIONFOR TEMPORARYSUSPENSIONAND

RESTRICTION ONACCESS TO CLIENTFUNDS This matter involves competing petitions regarding Nevadalicensed attorneyDouglas Crawford. Bar counsel has filed a petition under SCR 102(4), asking this court to impose an immediate temporary suspension and enjoin Crawford from making withdrawals from accounts in which he is currently holding any client funds pending resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings against him. Crawford opposes that petition and alternatively petitions this court under SCR 117(3) to transfer him to disability inactive status pending a determination as to whether he isincapable ofpracticinglawbased on a disability due tomentalor physical infirmity, illness, or addiction. Bar counsel opposes Crawford'spetition.

We first address Crawford's request under SCR 117(3). His petition does not satisfy the requirements of that rule. In particular, Crawford'spetition doesnot argue, andhissupportingmentalhealthletters do not establish, that the alleged disability incapacitates him from defending against a disciplinary proceeding or investigation. See SCR 117(3) ("If, during the course of a disciplinary proceeding or investigation, the attorney contends in a petition or joint petition filed with the supreme court that he or she is sufferingfrom a disability due to mental or physical infirmity, illness, or addiction, which rnakes it impossiblefor theattorney to adequately defend the disciplinary proceeding, the supreme court shall enter an order transferring the attorney to disability inactive status
. . . ." 

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(0) I947A <41Dr•(emphases added)). We therefore deny Crawford's petition for transfer to

disability inactive status.

Turning to bar counsel's petition under SCR 102(4), we grant the petition. The petition and supporting documentation show that Crawford "appears to be posing a substantial threat of serious harm to the public." SCR 102(4)(b). In particular, he allegedly has engaged in conduct
over an extended period of time that violates RPC 1.8(j) (sexual relations with a client), RPC 8.4(a) (violation or attempted violation ofthe RPC), and RPC 8.4(b) (criminal act that reflects adversely on fitness as a lawyer). Although Crawford argues that he currently does not pose a "substantial threat" of harm because he has voluntarily ceased practicing law, we disagree. Crawford's actions in that respect notwithstanding, they are voluntary. Absent action by this court, he could resume the practice oflaw at anytime. The threat ofharm tothe public has not been abated. And the potential harm he posesto thepublicis"serious." In particular, some ofthe allegations involve sexual conduct toward clients in violation ofRPC 1.8(j). The allegations and supporting documentation thus satisfy SCR 102(4)(b). We further conclude that Crawford's handling of client funds should be restricted. See SCR 102(4)(c) (providing that the court may place restrictions on an attorney's handlingoffunds entrusted to the attorney).

Accordingly, attorney Douglas C. Crawford is temporarily suspended from the practice of law, pending the resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings against him. In addition, pursuant to SCR 102(4)(c), we impose the following conditions on Crawford's handling of funds entrusted to him: Crawford is prohibited from making withdrawals from accountsinwhichhe iscurrentlyholdinganyclient funds, except upon written approval ofbar counsel.

SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA (0) 1947A .filectm 2Parraguirre



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J. Pickering The State Bar shall immediately serve Crawford with a copy of thisorder. Such service maybe accomplished by personal service, certified mail, deliveryto a person ofsuitable age at Crawford'splace ofemployment
or residence, or by publication. When served on either Crawford or a depository in which he maintains any accounts holding client funds, this order shall constitute an injunction against withdrawal of the proceeds except in accordance with the terms ofthis order. See SCR 102(4)(c). The parties shall comply with the provisions ofSCR 115 and SCR 121.1.

It is so ORDERED.1

Herndon

cc: Bar Counsel, State Bar ofNevada Rob W. Bare Chair, Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board Executive Director, State Bar ofNevada Admissions Officer, United States Supreme Court

1The Honorable Abbi Silver, Justice, voluntarily recused herselffrom participating in this matter. This is our final disposition of this matter. Any new proceedings shall be docketed under a new docket number. 3 SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA (0) 1947A 400,