Interim Probation For Indicted Attorney
The Arizona Presiding Disciplinary Judge has ordered interim probation of an attorney after her indictment
The State Bar has the burden of establishing probable cause that the basis of the requested relief exists if it seeks interim suspension. Rule 61(c)(2)(B). Morehouse does not dispute that the Grand Jury has found probable cause regarding the alleged crimes. In the Superior Court of Arizona (Maricopa County) CR-2017-005713, Morehouse was indicted with one count of Second Degree Murder, a Class Dangerous Felony, two counts of Endangerment, Class 6 Dangerous Felonies and one count of Leaving the Scene of a Damage Accident, a Class 2 Misdemeanor. [Motion Ex. A.] The Motion stated that the State Bar has initiated a screening investigation and that Morehouse has failed to respond to multiple written requests for response as required under Rule 55(b), Ariz. R. Sup. Ct. This allegation is not responded to by Morehouse.
The Probable Cause Statement is an addendum to the Release Questionnaire certified by the arresting office. It alleges that while driving a 2014 Tesla Model S 85, Morehouse struck and killed a motorcyclist who had stopped for a red-light signal. It is alleged Morehouse had a BAC was .355% at the time and that her top speed prior to the impact was over 100 MPH. After being struck the motorcyclist allegedly came to an uncontrolled point of rest 265 feet south of the point of impact. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple injuries including a left leg severed below the knee. It is also alleged that prior to this event that Morehouse was driving down the wrong side of another street, struck a different vehicle and fled the scene. [Ex. B.] In her response, Morehouse attached an Order of Release from the Superior Court and a scheduling minute entry. Morehouse was released on a $300,000 bond with specified release conditions. A Jury trial has been set for June 19, 2018.
How interim probation works
If Morehouse fails to comply with any of the foregoing probation terms, and the State Bar of Arizona receives information thereof, Bar Counsel shall file a notice of non-compliance with the Presiding Disciplinary Judge, pursuant to Rule 60(a)(5). The Presiding Disciplinary Judge may conduct a hearing within 30 days to determine whether a term of probation has been breached and, if so, whether to impose an appropriate sanction. If there is an allegation that Morehouse failed to comply with any of the foregoing terms, the burden of proof shall be on the State Bar of Arizona to prove non-compliance by a preponderance of the evidence.
AZ Family.com reported on the charges as did 12 News at 5.