No Contest Plea Draws Interim Suspension

Two misdemeanor pleas drew an interim suspension from the Oklahoma Supreme Court

 The Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA), in compliance with Rules 7.1 and 7.2 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings (RGDP), has forwarded to this Court certified copies of the Information, Probable Cause Affidavit, Plea of No Contest, Summary of Facts, Disposition Order, and Journal Entry of Deferred Sentencing, in the criminal matter of State of Oklahoma v. James Harry Lockard, Case No. CF-2023-111, in the District Court of Cleveland County. On March 31, 2023, Respondent James Harry Lockard entered a plea of no contest to Domestic Assault and Battery, a misdemeanor, in violation of 21 O.S., § 644(C), and Public Intoxication, a misdemeanor, in violation of 37A O.S., § 6-101(A)(8). The Court deferred sentencing for one year, until March 30, 2024.

Further 

this Court orders that James Harry Lockard is immediately suspended from the practice of law. Pursuant to Rule 7.4 of the RGDP, James Harry Lockard has until August 17, 2023, to show cause in writing why a final order of discipline should not be imposed, to request a hearing, or to file a brief and any evidence tending to mitigate the severity of discipline. The OBA has until September 1, 2023, to respond.

(Mike Frisch)