State of Nebraska ex rel. Counsel for Discipline of the Nebraska Supreme Court v. Jacqueline Ann Hughes, 268 Neb. 668

Summary

The Nebraska Supreme Court approved Jacqueline Ann Hughes's conditional admission that she forged prescriptions to obtain hydrocodone and violated specified disciplinary rules and her attorney's oath. The court suspended her from practicing law for six months, subject to conditions for reinstatement, including completion of a pretrial diversion program and compliance with a monitoring contract.

Holdings

1. The court approved the conditional admission because Hughes knowingly did not challenge or contest the essential relevant facts and alleged rule violations and knowingly waived all proceedings connected with those matters.
2. The court found by clear and convincing evidence that Hughes violated DR 1-102(A)(1), DR 1-102(A)(3), DR 1-102(A)(4), and DR 1-102(A)(6), as well as her oath of office as an attorney.
3. Hughes was suspended from the practice of law for six months, with reinstatement conditioned on completion of the pretrial diversion program, compliance with her amended monitoring contract, two years of probation after reinstatement, and payment of ordered costs and expenses.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should approve Hughes's conditional admission under Nebraska Court Rule of Discipline 13.
2. Whether Hughes violated the charged disciplinary rules and her attorney oath.
3. What discipline should be imposed for the admitted violations.

Disposition

other