Disciplinary Counsel v. Stern

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio reviewed disciplinary charges against Ira Sidney Stern arising from four federal felony convictions involving drug distribution, arson-related property damage, bank fraud, and money laundering. The court found violations of Ohio disciplinary rules concerning illegal conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and conduct adversely reflecting on fitness to practice law. It permanently disbarred Stern and taxed costs to him.

Holdings

1. Respondent committed misconduct violating DR 1-102(A)(3), DR 1-102(A)(4), and DR 1-102(A)(6).
2. Permanent disbarment is the appropriate sanction for respondent's criminal misconduct resulting in felony convictions.

Questions Presented

1. Whether respondent committed professional misconduct by engaging in illegal conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, and conduct adversely reflecting on his fitness to practice law.
2. Whether permanent disbarment was the appropriate sanction for the misconduct resulting in felony convictions.

Disposition

other