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In re Stough

Citations: 259 Ga. 555; 386 S.E.2d 663Docket: Supreme Court Disciplinary No. 756

Court: Supreme Court of Georgia; November 9, 1989; Georgia; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Nancy B. Stough, a member of the State Bar of Georgia, has requested voluntary suspension of her law license following her conviction in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia for two felonies involving moral turpitude, which are grounds for disbarment under Standard 66 of Rule 4-102 of the State Bar Rules. Under State Bar Rule 4-106, a lawyer convicted of such crimes may be suspended from practicing law until the conclusion of all appeals. The court, agreeing with the special master's recommendation, grants Ms. Stough's petition for voluntary suspension pending the resolution of her appeal. The suspension is accepted by all Justices.

Legal Issues Addressed

Grounds for Disbarment Under State Bar Rules

Application: Conviction of felonies involving moral turpitude constitutes grounds for disbarment under the State Bar Rules.

Reasoning: ...which are grounds for disbarment under Standard 66 of Rule 4-102 of the State Bar Rules.

Judicial Agreement with Special Master Recommendations

Application: The court may accept the special master's recommendation for suspension pending appeal in cases involving felony convictions.

Reasoning: The court, agreeing with the special master's recommendation, grants Ms. Stough's petition for voluntary suspension pending the resolution of her appeal.

Suspension Pending Appeals Under State Bar Rule 4-106

Application: A lawyer convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude may be suspended from practicing law until the conclusion of all appeals.

Reasoning: Under State Bar Rule 4-106, a lawyer convicted of such crimes may be suspended from practicing law until the conclusion of all appeals.

Voluntary Suspension of Law License

Application: A lawyer may request voluntary suspension of their law license following a conviction for felonies involving moral turpitude, pending the resolution of their appeal.

Reasoning: Nancy B. Stough, a member of the State Bar of Georgia, has requested voluntary suspension of her law license following her conviction in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia for two felonies involving moral turpitude...