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In re Bolton

Citations: 226 N.J. 471; 144 A.3d 69; 2016 N.J. LEXIS 888

Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey; September 8, 2016; New Jersey; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Michael D. Bolton, an attorney admitted to the bar in 1989, is formally censured for violating RPC 8.1(b) by failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities, as determined in disciplinary case DRB 15-246. Bolton has been suspended from practicing law since May 27, 2015, and this suspension remains in effect. He is required to comply with a fee arbitration determination from District Docket No. VIII-2015-0025F and pay a $500 sanction to the Disciplinary Oversight Committee before he can resume practice. The Court also mandates that the entire record of this disciplinary matter be permanently included in Bolton's attorney file and that he reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and expenses related to this case, as stipulated by Rule 1:20-17.

Legal Issues Addressed

Attorney Discipline and Censure under RPC 8.1(b)

Application: Michael D. Bolton was formally censured for failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities, which is a violation of RPC 8.1(b).

Reasoning: Michael D. Bolton, an attorney admitted to the bar in 1989, is formally censured for violating RPC 8.1(b) by failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities, as determined in disciplinary case DRB 15-246.

Fee Arbitration Compliance Requirement

Application: Bolton is required to comply with a fee arbitration determination to resolve outstanding issues from District Docket No. VIII-2015-0025F.

Reasoning: He is required to comply with a fee arbitration determination from District Docket No. VIII-2015-0025F and pay a $500 sanction to the Disciplinary Oversight Committee before he can resume practice.

Permanent Record Inclusion of Disciplinary Proceedings

Application: The entire record of the disciplinary matter is mandated to be permanently included in Bolton's attorney file.

Reasoning: The Court also mandates that the entire record of this disciplinary matter be permanently included in Bolton's attorney file.

Reimbursement of Administrative Costs

Application: Bolton is ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and expenses related to his case.

Reasoning: He reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and expenses related to this case, as stipulated by Rule 1:20-17.

Sanctions and Financial Obligations to Disciplinary Authorities

Application: To resume his practice, Bolton must pay a $500 sanction to the Disciplinary Oversight Committee.

Reasoning: He is required to comply with a fee arbitration determination from District Docket No. VIII-2015-0025F and pay a $500 sanction to the Disciplinary Oversight Committee before he can resume practice.

Suspension of Legal Practice for Non-compliance

Application: Bolton's suspension from practicing law, effective since May 27, 2015, remains in effect until compliance with specific conditions.

Reasoning: Bolton has been suspended from practicing law since May 27, 2015, and this suspension remains in effect.