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In re Sierzega

Citations: 229 N.J. 517; 163 A.3d 874; 2017 WL 2883764; 2017 N.J. LEXIS 743

Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey; July 7, 2017; New Jersey; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

RONALD P. SIERZEGA, an attorney admitted in 1995, is reprimanded by the Court following the Disciplinary Review Board's decision in case DRB 16-227. This reprimand stems from SIERZEGA's conviction for cruelty and neglect of a child, a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 9:6-03, which violates RPC 8.4(b) for committing an act that negatively reflects on his honesty and fitness as a lawyer. The Board mandates that SIERZEGA must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for two years. Additionally, the entire record of this case will be permanently included in his attorney file. SIERZEGA is also ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and expenses incurred during the proceedings, as stipulated in Rule 1:20-17.

Legal Issues Addressed

Attorney Discipline for Criminal Conduct

Application: The attorney, Ronald P. Sierzega, was reprimanded for conduct that violates professional conduct rules due to a criminal conviction.

Reasoning: This reprimand stems from SIERZEGA's conviction for cruelty and neglect of a child, a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 9:6-03, which violates RPC 8.4(b) for committing an act that negatively reflects on his honesty and fitness as a lawyer.

Mandated Rehabilitation Program for Disciplined Attorneys

Application: As part of the disciplinary measures, the attorney is required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for a specified period.

Reasoning: The Board mandates that SIERZEGA must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for two years.

Permanent Record of Disciplinary Actions

Application: The entire record of the disciplinary proceedings is permanently included in the attorney's official file.

Reasoning: Additionally, the entire record of this case will be permanently included in his attorney file.

Reimbursement for Disciplinary Proceedings Costs

Application: The attorney is required to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the costs and expenses related to the proceedings.

Reasoning: SIERZEGA is also ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and expenses incurred during the proceedings, as stipulated in Rule 1:20-17.