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Last modified: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 11:53 AM CST
Local attorney suspended
By Daily News Staff
The North Dakota Supreme Court suspended Wahpeton attorney Samuel Johnson for 60 days for his conduct relating to truthfulness in statements to others relating to respect for rights of third persons. The Supreme Court has ordered Johnson to pay $8,670.36 for the costs and expenses of the disciplinary proceeding.
In a second disciplinary matter, the hearing panel found that, in representing a client in a divorce matter, Johnson violated North Dakota Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3 relating to candor toward the tribunal, Conduct 8.4 relating to misconduct and North Dakota Rule Lawyer Discipline 1.2(A) relating to grounds for discipline.
The hearing panel recommended the above fine. Johnson and the counsel for the Disciplinary Board objected to the hearing panel's report and recommendation.
The Supreme Court adopted the hearing panel's recommendation that Johnson violated North Dakota Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, 4.1, 4.4 and 8.4 and North Dakota Rule Lawyer Discipline 1.2(A).
The court further concluded there was clear and convincing evidence Johnson also violated North Dakota Rule of Professional Conduct 8.1, relating to bar admission and disciplinary matters, by knowingly making false statements of material fact in a disciplinary matter.
The court ordered Johnson be suspended as of Jan. 1, 2008, and pay full costs and expenses.
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