The Arizona Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved a consent sanction of a six-month and one day suspension followed by probation for two years if she secures reinstatement

This agreement is a grim reminder that lawyers, as with all individuals, are subject to human frailties. Whether in the sweltering heat of our summer or the bitter blast of winter in the northeast anyone can be broken. Our community brokenness should humble the proud and yet also soften the stubborn. Pain needs no welcome, it enters in and seeks to win the critical battles within. Once invited in, it refuses to be ignored. Often at the most anguishing point one learns to overcome.

That is the unseen hope of this Agreement.  Rehabilitation. Agreements bring certainty where there is uncertainty in aspects of evidence, testimony, and persuasive force. This Agreement brings that yet requires Ms. Tatham to prove to a hearing panel clearly and convincingly that she should be permitted to return to the practice of law.

Misconduct

The misconduct is briefly summarized. Ms. Tatham pleaded guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor count, respectively: Possession or Use of Dangerous Drugs (Methamphetamine) and Interfering with Judicial Proceedings. She was sentenced to serve thirty days in jail and was placed on three years of supervised probation. The terms of her probation include substance abuse treatment and domestic violence classes.

The drugs were discovered when the attorney came to the residence of a former boyfriend. He had a stay away order and called the police who found crystal meth in a glass pipe.

The attorney would testify that she was homeless, stranded and in distress at the time.