Domestic Abuse Of Mother, Other Crimes, Draws Short Suspension

A four-month suspension has been imposed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for a series of alcohol-related criminal issues:

The referee noted that the allegations in the OLR’s complaint involved Attorney Belke’s conviction for seven misdemeanor counts.  According to the OLR’s complaint, on August 10, 2010, a deputy sheriff responded to a call of an intoxicated person, later identified as Attorney Belke, in the General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.  As a result of his conduct, Attorney Belke was arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.  He entered a guilty plea and was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct.  His sentence included one day in jail and a $500 fine.  Attorney Belke failed to notify the OLR of his misdemeanor disorderly conduct conviction.

There were also a number of domestic abuse incidents against his mother, DUI and bail jumping charges.

pursuant to a plea agreement, Attorney Belke pled no contest to and was convicted of the misdemeanor disorderly conduct (domestic abuse) charge that arose out of the June 6, 2012 domestic disturbance between Attorney Belke and his mother.  He also pled no contest to two misdemeanor bail jumping charges arising out of the July 3, 2012 arrest.  The remaining bail jumping charges were dismissed but read-in at sentencing.  Attorney Belke’s sentence included two years of probation with sentence withheld and conditions that he not possess any firearms, maintain absolute sobriety, not be on any premises licensed to sell alcohol by the drink, not possess any alcohol where he resides, undergo and comply with an alcohol and drug assessment, not have any violent contact with his mother, maintain full-time employment, and abide by any other rules or recommendations as imposed by the supervising probation agent.  Attorney Belke failed to notify the OLR of his misdemeanor disorderly conduct (domestic abuse) conviction and his two misdemeanor bail jumping convictions.

Shortly after the plea, he rolled a vehicle over while driving under the influence

Mitigation

The referee noted that Attorney Belke’s conduct did not involve dishonesty or failure to represent clients.  The referee also noted that Attorney Belke has been in compliance with all treatment recommendations of all substance abuse providers, has abstained from all alcohol or other mood-altering substances, and has regularly participated in community-based support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.  The referee also pointed to Attorney Belke’s lack of any prior disciplinary history.  Based on what the referee termed “these mitigating factors,” the referee concluded that a 90-day suspension was appropriate.  As a condition, the referee recommends that Attorney Belke continue to participate in a monitoring contract with WisLAP and that he comply with the contract conditions relating to assessment and treatment.

He must honor the treatment agreement. (Mike Frisch).