Opinion ID: 1751918
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Discipline Imposed Upon Respondent.

Text: Our options concerning discipline are set forth in SDCL 16-19-35. They are public censure, placement on probationary status, suspension for up to three years and disbarment. It is our determination that Respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years. We feel that this adequately protects the public while allowing Respondent to establish a period of sobriety to prove to this Court that he is once again fit to be allowed the privilege of practicing law in South Dakota. While his age of 59 may make re-entry into the legal profession more difficult, it is not impossible and many of our members of the bar continue to actively practice law well after their 62nd birthday. The three remaining active files in his practice are to be referred to other attorneys and full compliance is ordered with the requirements of SDCL 16-19-78 to 80. Respondent shall return the $1500 to Glenda Hall. Respondent must pay interest to Marshall at the legal rate for funds wrongfully withheld for more than a period of fourteen days. Judgment is rendered against Respondent for all necessary costs as shall be taxable by the clerk as set forth in SDCL 16-19-70. Respondent may file a petition for reinstatement with the Board pursuant to SDCL 16-19-84 at the conclusion of the three year period of suspension. He is to demonstrate that he has maintained sobriety during the period of suspension and has fully complied with the requirements of this opinion and applicable statutes. WUEST, Acting C.J., and STEELE, Circuit Judge, concur. HENDERSON and AMUNDSON, JJ., dissent. GILBERTSON, Circuit Judge, for MILLER, C.J., disqualified. STEELE, Circuit Judge, for SABERS, J., disqualified.