State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. S. Richard Farber

Summary

The Oklahoma Supreme Court immediately suspended S. Richard Farber from the practice of law after receiving certified records showing his no-contest pleas to misdemeanor driving under the influence and drug-paraphernalia offenses. The court allowed Farber until November 4, 2015, to show cause, request a hearing, or submit mitigating evidence regarding final discipline.

Holdings

1. Upon receipt of the certified copies specified in Rule 7.3 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma must immediately suspend the lawyer from the practice of law until further order of the court.
2. A certified copy of a guilty plea, deferred-judgment order, or specified information and judgment and sentence is conclusive evidence of the commission of the crime upon which the judgment and sentence is based and may serve as the basis for discipline under the governing rules.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Oklahoma was required to immediately suspend Farber from the practice of law after receiving the certified criminal documents described in Rule 7.3 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.
2. Whether Farber should remain subject to interim suspension pending further proceedings concerning final discipline.

Disposition

other