Disciplinary Counsel v. Wiggins

2020-Ohio-4500 (Ohio 2020) · Supreme Court of Ohio · September 21, 2020 · No. 2020-1039

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio entered an interim default suspension against Brian Matthew Wiggins after he failed to answer a disciplinary complaint. The order prohibited him from practicing law, imposed continuing legal education and client-notification requirements, and established conditions for reinstatement.

Court
Supreme Court of Ohio
Writing for the Court
Maureen O'Connor, Chief Justice; Maureen O'Connor; Maureen O'Connor, C.J.; Judith L. French; Patrick F. Fischer; Pat DeWine; Michael P. Donnelly; Melody J. Stewart
Jurisdiction
Ohio
Decision date
September 21, 2020
Docket number
2020-1039
Procedural posture
The Board of Professional Conduct certified respondent's default to the Supreme Court of Ohio after respondent failed to answer a formal disciplinary complaint.
Precedential value
Published opinion
Parties
Disciplinary Counsel v. Brian Matthew Wiggins
Disposition
other

Topics

defaultsanctionscivil procedure

Practice areas

professional responsibilityattorney discipline

Questions Presented

  1. Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio should enter an interim default suspension after the Board of Professional Conduct certified that respondent failed to answer a formal complaint.

Holdings

  1. Upon certification of default under Gov.Bar R. V(14)(A), and in the absence of a response, the court entered an interim default suspension against respondent under Gov.Bar R. V(14)(B)(1).

Key quotations

Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(14)(B)(1), it is ordered and decreed that an interim default suspension is immediately entered against Brian Matthew Wiggins, Attorney Registration No. 0089727, last known business address in Xenia, Ohio, and that the suspension is effective as of the date of this entry. (¶ 2)

Factual background

The Board of Professional Conduct alleged that Brian Matthew Wiggins failed to file an answer to a formal disciplinary complaint. Wiggins did not file a response to the certification of default.

Procedural history

On August 25, 2020, the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certification of default alleging that Brian Matthew Wiggins failed to answer a formal complaint pending before the board. Wiggins did not respond. The Supreme Court of Ohio entered an interim default suspension and imposed related conditions and compliance obligations.

Court Document

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