A Learning Tool

The Wyoming Supreme Court has imposed a public censure of an attorney for a series of incidents while he was intoxicated.

It started with his car crash into a mechanical gate at the Sheridan airport. He had appeared to not notice the gate and failed to brake, causing $11,000 in damage.

The attorney disregarded police direction and left the scene, driving home.

When police responded to the home, he had an altercation with them involving “significant struggle and resistance”  and which caused injury to an officer’s thumb.

He was profane, belittling and caustic to the officers and asked them whether they had ever shot anyone or attended college.

He reported the arrest to his employer and the State Bar,  was convicted of two misdemeanors and has responded well to alcohol treatment.

He also apologized for his actions to the officers and expressed remorse.

He testified that the incident had served as a “learning tool” and had been sober for seven months when the report of the Board on Professional Responsibility was filed.

 The court did not order monitored compliance with the Bar’s lawyer assistance program. (Mike Frisch)