Lawyer Gone Wild

The South Carolina Supreme Court has imposed a definite suspension of 90 days in a case involving the following facts:

In March 22, 2009, respondent self-reported his arrest for Aggravated Battery to ODC.  The arrest occurred as a result of a bar fight between respondent and three other individuals on March 15, 2009, in Savannah, Georgia, during which one of the other individuals  was struck in the head and/or face with a beer bottle.  Respondent represented that alcohol was involved in the incident and independently sought treatment for alcohol abuse and anger management.

On October 26, 2010, respondent entered into a negotiated plea for Aggravated Battery and received a five (5) year probationary sentence with special conditions, including payment of restitution and community service.  The sentencing order contains a provision that respondent will be considered eligible for termination of probation upon the completion of any period of suspension of his law license in South Carolina.  Respondent has entered into a restitution agreement and has fully complied with the agreement by paying $40,000 in restitution.   Respondent has been forthright and fully cooperative with ODC. 

The case is Matter of Wild. (Mike Frisch)