Disciplinary Counsel v. Dragelevich

Summary

The Ohio Supreme Court indefinitely suspended J. Walter Dragelevich from practicing law after he pleaded guilty to a federal felony involving odometer alteration. The court found that his conduct violated disciplinary rules prohibiting dishonesty and conduct adversely reflecting on fitness to practice law, and granted credit for the time served under his interim suspension.

Holdings

1. Respondent violated DR 1-102(A)(4), which prohibits conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, and DR 1-102(A)(6), which prohibits conduct adversely reflecting on a lawyer's fitness to practice law.
2. An indefinite suspension from the practice of law in Ohio was the appropriate sanction for respondent's misconduct.
3. Respondent was entitled to credit for time served after the interim suspension was imposed on September 12, 2003.

Questions Presented

1. Whether respondent violated DR 1-102(A)(4) and DR 1-102(A)(6) through conduct involving odometer fraud and a resulting federal felony conviction.
2. Whether an indefinite suspension from the practice of law was the appropriate sanction.
3. Whether respondent should receive credit for time served under the interim suspension.

Disposition

other