Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension on Charles Jeffrey Lantz from the practice of law following certification of a felony conviction. The order referred the matter for disciplinary investigation and established notice, client-protection, continuing-education, reimbursement, and reinstatement requirements.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether certification of an attorney's felony-conviction judgment entry required or authorized an interim suspension under Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4).
- What restrictions and compliance requirements should accompany the interim suspension.
Holdings
- Upon certification of a certified copy of Lantz's felony-conviction judgment entry, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended Lantz from the practice of law for an interim period effective August 31, 2001.
- During the interim suspension, Lantz was prohibited from practicing law, appearing on behalf of others before courts or governmental authorities, counseling or advising others, and performing legal services. Reinstatement required compliance with applicable reinstatement rules, court orders, and the court's order of reinstatement.
Key quotations
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4), it is ordered and decreed that Charles Jeffrey Lantz, Attorney Registration No. 0016201, last known address in Lancaster, Ohio, be, and hereby is, suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry, August 31, 2001.” (93 Ohio St. 3d at 1241)
“IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Charles Jeffrey Lantz immediately cease and desist from the practice of law in any form and is hereby forbidden to appear on behalf of another before any court, judge, commission, board, administrative agency, or other public authority.” (93 Ohio St. 3d at 1242)
Factual background
Charles Jeffrey Lantz was an attorney licensed to practice law in Ohio. The Secretary of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline certified to the Supreme Court a judgment entry reflecting Lantz's felony conviction. Based on that certification, the Supreme Court imposed an interim suspension and directed that disciplinary proceedings be commenced.
Procedural history
On August 22, 2001, the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline certified Lantz's felony conviction to the Supreme Court of Ohio pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(3). Acting under Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4), the court entered an interim suspension effective August 31, 2001, referred the matter to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and imposed related practice, continuing-legal-education, client-notification, reimbursement, and reinstatement requirements.