Opinion ID: 2258832
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Recommended Sanctions

Text: Hearing Committee Number Eight found that Bar Counsel had proved all the charged violations and that there was a causal connection between respondent's misconduct and his disability. In recommending that respondent be sanctioned with an informal admonition, members of the Hearing Committee stated that they did not feel that [respondent] should be publicly reprimanded ... for conduct caused by a mental condition that he was trying to bring into control, but could not for reasons beyond his control. The Hearing Committee's report also states that they would have recommended public censure except for the mitigating factors. The Hearing Committee expressed concern that respondent had not submitted a post-hearing brief, although he had indicated that he would. However, having no evidence of any relapse, the committee recommended an informal admonition. A majority of the Board's members recommended that the court enter an order censuring respondent, but retaining the matter in a confidential status and staying the imposition of public censure, provided that respondent complies with the following conditions of probation for a two-year period: (1) that he be supervised by a practice monitor selected by the Board; and (2) continue counseling with his psychologist or other qualified mental health professional, with quarterly reports of his progress from the professional. In view of respondent's cooperation with the disciplinary system, the lack of a prior disciplinary record, his efforts to make his former client whole, the evidence of his disability and expressed intention to continue with treatment, and his willingness to follow the terms of probation, the majority members of the Board determined that a suspension was not warranted and that the recommended sanction with probationary conditions would assure the protection of the public and serve as a deterrent to future violations. [3]