State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. John Eldon Dalton

Summary

The Supreme Court of Oklahoma approved John Eldon Dalton’s resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association pending disciplinary proceedings. The court ordered that his resignation be effective September 20, 2018, struck his name from the Roll of Attorneys, imposed a five-year bar on reinstatement applications, and assessed $14.10 in costs.

Holdings

1. A resignation pending disciplinary proceedings was properly approved because Dalton's affidavit established that the resignation was voluntary, uncoerced, informed, and accompanied by his waiver of the right to contest the disciplinary allegations.
2. The resignation was effective September 20, 2018, the date it was executed and filed with the Court.
3. Upon approval, Dalton's name was to be stricken from the Roll of Attorneys, he could not apply for reinstatement for five years, and any future reinstatement was subject to payment of the assessed costs and reimbursement of qualifying Client's Security Fund payments with interest.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Dalton's resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association during pending disciplinary proceedings should be approved under Rule 8.2 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.
2. When the approved resignation should become effective.
3. What conditions should govern Dalton's removal from the roll of attorneys and any future reinstatement application.

Disposition

approved