Suspension For Drug Charges
The New York Appellate Division for the Third Judicial Department affirmed a default on disciplinary charges and imposed a two-year suspension with conditions for reinstatement.
we find that respondent should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years, effective immediately. Moreover, considering the facts and circumstances presented by the parties, we deem it appropriate to condition respondent’s future reinstatement on certain prerequisites, which are in addition to the requirements contained in Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters (22 NYCRR) § 1240.16.
Among the conditions are successful completion of treatment programs.
The Times Union reported on her guilty plea
An attorney who was accused of selling heroin from her Cohoes office pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug count Wednesday as part of a plea deal that spares her from incarceration.
Instead, Danielle Barker-Lange, 39, will undergo drug treatment as part of her sentencing.
She also be put on probation for three years and ordered to perform 60 hours of community service when she is sentenced June 18.
“Based on a thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter by our felony Street Crimes Unit, including the status of this defendant’s addition and treatment history, along with lack of criminal history, the felony counts were reduced for an ultimate disposition in local court,” the district attorney’s office said in a written statement.
Barker-Lange was accused last year of selling heroin out of her home and law office, at 184 Remsen St. She was arrested after an investigation and then search by Albany County deputies of both locations.
At the time, Barker-Lange was charged with three counts of felony criminal sale of a controlled substance, two counts of felony criminal possession of a controlled substance and eight counts of misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance.
She also was charged with driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device and aggravated unlicensed operation, both misdemeanors, due to a previous DWAI conviction and driving on a suspended license.
During the probe into Barker-Lange, investigators said they were able to buy heroin from her on multiple occasions. She was found with 38 bags of heroin, 20 strips of Suboxone as well as Xanax, oxycodone and amphetamine pills, deputies said.
It is likely that Barker-Lange’s case will be investigated by the state’s Attorney Grievance Committee, a panel in state Supreme Court that handles complaints about lawyers.
(Mike Frisch)