Narrative Opinion Summary
In a disciplinary proceeding, an attorney is suspended from the Commonwealth's Bar for one year and one day, with the suspension stayed, and placed on probation for the same duration. The probation imposes stringent conditions related to alcohol dependency, including abstinence from alcohol and mind-altering substances, weekly attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, engagement with an AA sponsor, and oversight by a sobriety monitor. The monitor is responsible for ensuring compliance, assisting with treatment, conducting regular meetings and communications, and reporting any violations to the Disciplinary Board. The attorney is also required to pay costs to the Disciplinary Board as mandated by Rule 208(g) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement. This case emphasizes the disciplinary system's focus on rehabilitation and compliance monitoring in addressing substance dependency issues within the legal profession.
Legal Issues Addressed
Conditions of Probation for Alcohol Dependencysubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The probation requires the respondent to abstain from alcohol and mind-altering substances, attend AA meetings, and engage with a sobriety monitor.
Reasoning: The probation is contingent upon several conditions: No use of alcohol or mind-altering substances. Weekly attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Engagement with an AA sponsor, maintaining weekly contact.
Payment of Disciplinary Costssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The respondent is required to pay costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings as per the relevant rule.
Reasoning: Additionally, Hazel is ordered to pay costs to the Disciplinary Board per Rule 208(g) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.
Role and Responsibilities of a Sobriety Monitorsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The sobriety monitor is tasked with ensuring the respondent's compliance with probation terms, including frequent contact and reporting violations to the Board.
Reasoning: The sobriety monitor's responsibilities include: ensuring adherence to probation terms, assisting with treatment arrangements, bi-monthly meetings with the respondent, weekly phone contact, maintaining monthly contact with the relevant AA chapter, filing quarterly compliance reports, and reporting any violations to the Board.
Suspension and Probation under Bar Disciplinary Rulessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The respondent is suspended from practice for a specified period, with the suspension stayed, and subjected to probationary conditions instead.
Reasoning: Scott Rine Hazel is suspended from the Bar of the Commonwealth for one year and one day, with the suspension stayed in its entirety, and placed on one year of probation.