Summary
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma ordered that Emma Barlie Arnett remain suspended from the Oklahoma Bar Association for two years and one day or until her incarceration ends, whichever is longer. The court also conditioned resumption of practice on payment of $4,077.65 in assessed costs; several justices dissented and would have disbarred her.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- What final attorney discipline should be imposed after the respondent's criminal conviction and interim suspension?
- Whether the respondent should be required to pay the costs of the disciplinary proceeding as a condition of resuming the practice of law.
Holdings
- The respondent's suspension from the Oklahoma Bar Association shall remain effective for two years and one day or until her incarceration has ended, whichever is longer.
- Upon expiration of the suspension, resumption of the practice of law is conditioned on compliance with Rule 11 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings and payment of assessed costs of $4,077.65.
Factual background
The respondent was convicted of manslaughter. She had no prior complaints, disciplinary actions, suspensions, or criminal charges. The Professional Responsibility Tribunal recommended continuing the interim suspension for two years and one month or until incarceration ended, whichever was longer.
Procedural history
The Oklahoma Bar Association filed notice of respondent Emma Barlie Arnett's manslaughter conviction on July 31, 2018. The Supreme Court issued an order of immediate suspension on September 10, 2018. After a Professional Responsibility Tribunal proceeding on April 22, 2019, the Supreme Court ordered that the suspension continue for two years and one day or until incarceration ends, whichever is longer, and awarded the Bar Association its costs.