In re Disciplinary Action against Ramsay

Summary

The Minnesota Supreme Court approved a stipulated 90-day suspension and subsequent probation for attorney Charles Alan Ramsay after his guilty plea to third-degree cocaine possession. The order also imposed costs, client-notification obligations, compliance with criminal probation, and completion of the professional responsibility portion of the state bar examination.

Holdings

1. Ramsay's guilty plea to third-degree possession of cocaine constituted conclusive evidence of a criminal act reflecting adversely on his fitness as a lawyer and therefore violated Minnesota Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(b).
2. A minimum 90-day suspension, followed by disciplinary probation for the duration of Ramsay's criminal probation and subject to specified conditions, adequately protected the public and judicial system and deterred future professional misconduct.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Ramsay's guilty plea to third-degree possession of cocaine constituted professional misconduct under Minnesota Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(b).
2. What professional discipline was appropriate in light of Ramsay's misconduct, criminal probation, treatment history, and mitigating circumstances.

Disposition

approved