State of Nebraska ex rel. Counsel for Discipline of the Nebraska Supreme Court v. Steven R. Bowers

Summary

The Nebraska Supreme Court reviewed Steven R. Bowers's conditional admission to attorney disciplinary charges arising from agreements with criminal defendants concerning reduced bonds, departures from Nebraska, and nonextradition. The court found violations of the attorney's oath and professional conduct rules concerning candor toward a tribunal and misconduct, and entered a judgment of public reprimand.

Holdings

1. Under Neb. Ct. R. § 3-313(B), the court may approve a conditional admission when the respondent knowingly admits or does not challenge the conditionally admitted matters, waives further proceedings, and consents to an appropriate discipline.
2. Bowers's admitted conduct violated Neb. Ct. R. of Prof. Cond. §§ 3-503.3(a)(1) and (b), concerning candor toward a tribunal, §§ 3-508.4(c) and (d), concerning professional misconduct, and his oath of office as a Nebraska attorney.
3. The appropriate discipline was a public reprimand, together with disclosure of the discipline in any application to appear pro hac vice and payment of specified costs and expenses.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should approve Bowers's conditional admission under Neb. Ct. R. § 3-313(B).
2. Whether Bowers's admitted conduct violated his attorney's oath and the professional-conduct rules governing candor toward a tribunal and professional misconduct.
3. What discipline should be imposed upon approval of the conditional admission.

Disposition

other