In the Matter of Steven Robinson Cureton

Summary

The Supreme Court of South Carolina accepted an Agreement for Discipline by Consent and imposed a two-year suspension from the practice of law on Steven Robinson Cureton. The court found violations arising from criminal drug offenses and failures in client communication, representation, fee refunds, and protection of client interests, and required completion of criminal sentencing obligations and restitution.

Holdings

1. A two-year suspension from the practice of law is the appropriate sanction for respondent's admitted criminal and professional misconduct.
2. The definite two-year suspension does not run from the date of respondent's interim suspension.
3. Respondent is not eligible for reinstatement until he has paid his fine and completed the imposed sentence, including probation; he must also enter into a restitution plan within thirty days and file an affidavit demonstrating compliance with Rule 30, RLDE, within fifteen days.

Questions Presented

1. What disciplinary sanction was appropriate for respondent's admitted criminal and professional misconduct?
2. Whether respondent's two-year definite suspension should run from the date of his interim suspension.
3. What conditions should govern respondent's reinstatement and restitution obligations.

Disposition

other