Non-Identical Reciprocal Discipline

The Maryland Court of Appeals ordered that an indefinite suspension be imposed as reciprocal discipline based on a sanction imposed by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

The D.C. Court found that the attorney had overbilled for court-appointed criminal compensation under the Criminal Justice Act. The attorney was suspended in D.C. for 18 months, with six-months stayed, followed by a one-year probation with conditions.

The Maryland Court concluded that “there is no sanction in Maryland that corresponds completely with the [D.C.] sanction…” and imposed an indefinite suspension. The sanctioned attorney may not seek reinstatement in Maryland until he is unconditionally practicing in D.C. (Mike Frisch)