Attorneys at law—Misconduct—Two-year suspension with second year stayed and probation with conditions for the entire two years—Convictions for possession of a controlled substance and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence—Practicing law while not registered with the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio.
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Attorneys at law—Misconduct—Two-year suspension with second year stayed
and probation with conditions for the entire two years—Convictions for
possession of a controlled substance and operating a motor vehicle while
under the influence—Practicing law while not registered with the Clerk of
the Supreme Court of Ohio.
(No. 00-761—Submitted July 6, 2000—Decided October 25, 2000.)
ON CERTIFIED REPORT by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and
Discipline of the Supreme Court, No. 97-09.
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{¶ 1} On April 10, 1996, respondent, Robert Patrick Gettys of Covington,
Kentucky, Attorney
Registration No. 0032534,
was found guilty of felony
possession of a controlled substance and the misdemeanor of operating a motor
vehicle while under the influence. On June 20, 1996, the Supreme Court of
Kentucky suspended respondent from the practice of law, and on September 25,
1996, we indefinitely suspended respondent from the practice of law in Ohio. In
re Gettys (1996),
. On February 18, 1997,
relator, Office of Disciplinary Counsel, filed a complaint charging respondent with
several violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility. Respondent
answered, and the matter was submitted to a panel of the Board of Commissioners
on Grievances and Discipline of the Supreme Court (“board”).
{¶ 2} The panel concluded that respondent’s conduct, which resulted in his
convictions for possession of a controlled substance and operating a motor vehicle
while under the influence, violated DR 1-102(A)(3) (engaging in illegal conduct
SUPREME COURT OF OHIO
involving moral turpitude) and 1-102(A)(6) (engaging in conduct that adversely
reflects upon an attorney’s fitness to practice law).
{¶ 3} The panel further found that respondent was late in registering with
the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio in each biennium beginning with 1985-
1986 and continuing through 1997-1998. It found that while he was not registered
with the court respondent continued to practice law in Ohio. It concluded that
respondent’s actions in practicing law while not registered violated DR 1-102(A)(5)
(engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), 1-102(A)(6), and
3-101(B) (practicing law in violation of the regulations of the profession in that
jurisdiction).
{¶ 4} Mitigation evidence established that in 1996, respondent received
thirty days of in-patient drug and alcohol treatment, after which he completed his
thirty-day jail sentence and that he is no longer drinking or motivated to drink.
Respondent submitted several letters from judges, members of the bar, and his local
community, attesting to his character and ability to practice law.
{¶ 5} The panel recommended that respondent be suspended from the
practice of law for two years with one of those years stayed, but that he remain on
probation for the entire two years under the following conditions: first, that he be
subject to random testing for drug or alcohol use; second, that he attend three
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings each week and document such attendance; third,
that he make quarterly visits to a psychologist; fourth, that an attorney appointed
by the relator monitor these terms and conditions of probation and report
compliance with them quarterly to the relator. The board adopted the findings,
conclusions, and recommendation of the panel.
__________________
Jonathan E. Coughlan, Disciplinary Counsel, for relator.
Robert Patrick Gettys, pro se.
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January Term, 2000
Per Curiam.
{¶ 6} We adopt the findings, conclusions, and recommendation of the
board. Respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law for two years with
the second year stayed. Respondent shall remain on probation for the entire two
years under the following conditions: first, that he be subject to random testing for
drug or alcohol use; second, that he attend three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
each week and document such attendance; third, that he make quarterly visits to a
psychologist; fourth, that an attorney appointed by the relator monitor these terms
and conditions of probation and report compliance with them quarterly to the
relator. Costs are taxed to respondent.
Judgment accordingly.
MOYER, C.J., DOUGLAS, RESNICK, F.E. SWEENEY, PFEIFER, COOK and
LUNDBERG STRATTON, JJ., concur.
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