Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Donald J. Peterson, 2006 WI 41, 290 Wis. 2d 74

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court reviewed stipulated attorney-misconduct findings involving misappropriation of more than $26,000, use of cocaine, and pawning law-firm property. The court imposed a two-year suspension of Donald J. Peterson's Wisconsin law license, ordered restitution of $26,237, and assessed proceeding costs.

Holdings

1. The supreme court approved the stipulation and adopted the stipulated facts and conclusions of law pursuant to SCR 22.12.
2. The supreme court, rather than the referee, has the responsibility to determine the appropriate discipline for attorney misconduct and may impose discipline more or less severe than the referee recommends.
3. A two-year suspension of Peterson's Wisconsin law license, restitution of $26,237, and payment of proceeding costs was warranted.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the supreme court should approve the parties' stipulation and adopt the stipulated facts and conclusions of law.
2. What discipline is appropriate for Peterson's misappropriation of more than $26,000 in legal fees, pawning of firm property, and criminal cocaine use.
3. Whether the referee's recommended 18-month suspension should be increased.

Disposition

other