State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Givens

Summary

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ordered the immediate interim suspension of Blake Rodman Givens from the practice of law after receiving certified records reflecting his guilty pleas and judgment in Tulsa County criminal proceedings. The court directed Givens to show cause regarding the interim suspension and any final discipline under the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.

Holdings

1. Upon receiving the certified copies specified by Rule 7.3 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma must immediately suspend the lawyer from practicing law until further order of the court.
2. A certified guilty plea, order deferring judgment and sentence, or information and judgment and sentence of conviction constitutes the charge and is conclusive evidence of the commission of the crime on which the judgment and sentence is based, and is sufficient as the basis for discipline under the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Oklahoma Supreme Court was required to immediately suspend Givens from the practice of law upon receiving the certified criminal judgment and related documents under Rule 7.3 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.
2. Whether the certified guilty plea, deferred-sentence order, information, and judgment and sentence constituted conclusive evidence of the commission of the underlying crimes and a sufficient basis for attorney discipline under Rule 7.2.

Disposition

other