In re Brian Dequincey Newman, 426 S.C. 241

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court accepted an Agreement for Discipline by Consent concerning Brian Dequincey Newman. The court found violations arising from his failure to file tax returns and pay taxes, inadequate advance-fee disclosures, and deficient financial recordkeeping, and imposed a six-month definite suspension retroactive to his interim suspension. The court also ordered payment of disciplinary costs and compliance with reinstatement requirements.

Holdings

1. The court accepted the Agreement for Discipline by Consent after respondent admitted misconduct and consented to discipline.
2. Respondent's failure to file state income tax returns and pay state taxes, failure to provide required advance-fee disclosures, and failure to maintain required financial records violated Rules 1.5(f)(4)-(5), 8.4(b)-(d), and 417, SCACR, and constituted grounds for discipline.
3. A six-month definite suspension from the practice of law was warranted and was imposed retroactively to January 8, 2016, the date of respondent's interim suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Agreement for Discipline by Consent should be accepted.
2. Whether respondent's admitted violations warranted a definite six-month suspension from the practice of law, retroactive to his interim suspension.

Disposition

other