Opinion ID: 2570265
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: A Five-Year Suspension Is Appropriate

Text: Although the Board is recommending that this court suspend Au from the practice of law for two years, the ODC asserts that we should adopt the hearing committee's recommendation to disbar Au. While disciplinary proceedings may possess punitive attributes, punishment is not their purpose. Rather, the purpose of suspension or disbarment is to protect the public and to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and the dignity of the courts. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Breiner, 89 Hawai`i 167, 173, 969 P.2d 1285, 1291 (1999). Under RSCH Rule 2.3(a), there are six types of discipline: (1) Disbarment by the supreme court; or (2) Suspension by the supreme court for a period not exceeding five years; or (3) Public censure by the supreme court; or (4) Public reprimand by the Disciplinary Board with the consent of the respondent and Counsel; or (5) Private reprimand by the Disciplinary Board with the consent of the respondent and Counsel; or (6) Private informal admonition by Disciplinary Counsel or Disciplinary Board. RSCH Rule 2.3(a). The ABA Standards are a useful reference when determining disciplinary sanctions. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Lau, 79 Hawai`i 201, 206, 900 P.2d 777, 782 (1995) (citation omitted). The factors set out in ABA Standard 3.0 provide: