A Pain In The Neck

The New York Appellate Division for the Fourth Judicial Department has censured an attorney for non-practice related misconduct

Respondent admits that, in April 2012, he was involved in a one-vehicle accident after taking the prescription drugs oxycodone and soma to treat neck pain. Respondent was charged with various violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and, in February 2014, he resolved all charges by entering a plea of guilty in Salina Town Court to driving while ability impaired (§ 1192 [1]) and failure to reduce speed (§ 1180 [e]). The court imposed a fine in the amount of $575.

Respondent additionally admits that, in July 2012, he was issued appearance tickets returnable in Camillus Town Court charging him with possession of a hypodermic needle and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Respondent resolved those charges in May 2014 by entering a plea of guilty to disorderly conduct (Penal Law § 240.20), and he was sentenced to a conditional discharge.

The attorney had an otherwise unblemished record and has participated in treatment. (Mike Frisch)