Opinion ID: 2229698
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Discipline Imposed Upon Hopewell

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. This Court is not bound by the recommendations of the Board or Referee, nor need we give them deference. Discipline of Martin, 506 N.W.2d 101, 103 (S.D. 1993). We find the recommendation of the Board and the Referee to be too lenient in this case. Hopewell is suspended from the practice of law in all of the courts of the State of South Dakota until such time as he complies with the following requirements: 1. Hopewell shall successfully pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination. 2. Hopewell shall obtain an updated psychiatric examination from a licensed psychiatrist approved by this Court concerning his mental health and his fitness to practice law in South Dakota. 3. Any reinstatement pursuant to SDCL 16-19-84 is contingent upon a favorable report from this psychiatric examination and Hopewell's agreement to follow any recommendations from this examination. 4. This Court reserves the right to add additional conditions for reinstatement based on the results of this examination. 5. Hopewell is given thirty days (30) days to wind up business pursuant to SDCL 16-19-77. 6. Hopewell must comply with the notice provisions of SDCL 16-19-78 to 80. 7. Hopewell shall pay all costs of this proceeding. 8. Hopewell shall pay all costs of reinstatement proceedings under SDCL 16-19-84 and those incurred in meeting requirements for restatement as set forth in this opinion. Matter of the Discipline of Bergren, 455 N.W.2d 856 (S.D.1990), Russell, supra at 717. MILLER, C.J., and HENDERSON and SABERS, JJ., concur. WUEST, J., concurs in part and dissents in part. GILBERTSON, Circuit Judge, for AMUNDSON, J., disqualified.