DUIs and Disbarment
The Oklahoma Supreme Court accepted the resignation of an attorney whose alleged misconduct involved a series of driving while intoxicated charges.
The effect
The respondent states he is aware he may make no application for reinstatement prior to the expiration of five years from the effective date of the order approving his resignation, and that reinstatement requires compliance with Rule 11 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.
Misconduct
The affidavit of resignation states respondent’s awareness of an investigation by the Bar Association, regarding the following criminal convictions which suffice as a basis for discipline:
(a) State of Oklahoma v. John Eldon Dalton, Oklahoma County, Case No. CF 2016-2943: On April 19, 2016, Dalton was charged with (Count 1) Driving Under the Influence and (Count 2) Driving Under Revocation. On July 13, 2018, after Dalton pled guilty to these charges, he was sentenced to twenty years as to Count 1 and one year as to Count 2, suspended, all counts to run concurrent with each other and concurrent with his sentence in Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2013-572 and to attend weekend community service and to pay fines.
(b) State of Oklahoma v. John Eldon Dalton, Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2013-572: On January 24, 2013, Dalton was charged with (Count 1) Driving While Under the Influence and (Count 2) Speeding. On June 13, 2013, after Dalton pled guilty to these charges, he was sentenced to a ten-year suspended sentence as to Count 1 and a fine only as to Count 2.
(c) State of Oklahoma v. John Eldon Dalton, Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2009-1638: On March 12, 2009, Dalton was charged with (Count 1) Driving Under the Influence and (Count 2) Driving While Privilege Revoked. Dalton entered a plea of guilty with a delayed sentencing agreement and performance contract for Drug /DUI Court on May 20, 2009. On December 30, 2010, this case was dismissed against Dalton for his successful completion of Drug/DUI Court.
(d) State of Oklahoma v. John Eldon Dalton, Oklahoma County Case No. CF-2006-6224: On September 25, 2006, Dalton was charged with (Count 1) Driving Under the Influence and (Count 2) Driving While Privilege Revoked. On May 16, 2007, after Dalton pled guilty to these charges, he was sentenced to six years suspended as to Count 1 and Count 2 was dismissed.
(e) State of Oklahoma v. John Eldon Dalton, Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2003-6442: On November 24, 2003, Dalton was charged with Driving Under the Influence. On February 9, 2004, after he pled guilty to this charge, he was sentenced to five years, suspended, along with fines, community service, random urinalyses and other programs. As a result of this conviction, Dalton was issued a Private Reprimand by the Professional Responsibility Commission on March 26, 2004 (State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. John Eldon Dalton, OBAD No. 1606).
(Mike Frisch)