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In re Hazel

Citations: 169 N.J. 475; 779 A.2d 423; 2001 N.J. LEXIS 1098

Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey; September 7, 2001; New Jersey; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

SCOTT RINE HAZEL, an attorney from State College, Pennsylvania, has been suspended from practicing law indefinitely due to reciprocal disciplinary action stemming from a suspension in Pennsylvania for violating probationary terms set by the state's Supreme Court. He has been ineligible to practice law in New Jersey since September 20, 1993. The Disciplinary Review Board determined that he cannot seek reinstatement in New Jersey until he is reinstated in Pennsylvania. The order is effective immediately, prohibits him from practicing law during the suspension, and mandates compliance with Rule 1:20-20. Additionally, the order includes a requirement for Hazel to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the administrative costs associated with this case, and it stipulates that the entire record be retained as part of his attorney file in New Jersey.

Legal Issues Addressed

Financial Responsibility for Disciplinary Costs

Application: The attorney is obligated to reimburse the administrative costs incurred by the Disciplinary Oversight Committee in relation to his case.

Reasoning: Additionally, the order includes a requirement for Hazel to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the administrative costs associated with this case.

Immediate Suspension and Compliance Requirements

Application: The suspension was effective immediately, and the attorney is required to comply with specific rules during the suspension period.

Reasoning: The order is effective immediately, prohibits him from practicing law during the suspension, and mandates compliance with Rule 1:20-20.

Reciprocal Disciplinary Action

Application: The attorney was suspended in New Jersey as a result of disciplinary action that occurred in Pennsylvania, demonstrating the enforcement of reciprocal discipline across state lines.

Reasoning: SCOTT RINE HAZEL, an attorney from State College, Pennsylvania, has been suspended from practicing law indefinitely due to reciprocal disciplinary action stemming from a suspension in Pennsylvania for violating probationary terms set by the state's Supreme Court.

Record Retention of Disciplinary Proceedings

Application: The complete record of the disciplinary proceedings is to be retained as part of the attorney's file in New Jersey, ensuring a thorough documentation of the case.

Reasoning: It stipulates that the entire record be retained as part of his attorney file in New Jersey.

Reinstatement Conditions

Application: The attorney must first be reinstated in Pennsylvania before seeking reinstatement in New Jersey, showing the dependence of reinstatement on the primary jurisdiction's decision.

Reasoning: The Disciplinary Review Board determined that he cannot seek reinstatement in New Jersey until he is reinstated in Pennsylvania.