Suspension For Criminal Contempt Conviction

The New York Appellate Division for the First Judicial Department has suspended an attorney pending final discipline for a criminal conviction

Respondent was charged in a criminal complaint with aggravated criminal contempt (Penal Law § 215.52 [1]) and criminal contempt in the first degree (Penal Law § 215.51 [b] [v]), both felonies. On August 1, 2023, respondent pleaded guilty to criminal contempt in the second degree, which is a class A misdemeanor (Penal Law § 215.50 [3]). He stated that, on March 4, 2023, he violated an order of protection by being in the presence of the named person. Respondent was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, as a condition of which he was required to complete an abusive partner intervention program. Respondent contends that he has satisfied that condition.

Respondent had opposed suspension

it is Ordered that the motion by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department to deem the offense of which respondent Stefan M. Miller, admitted as Stefan Michael Miller, has been found guilty to be a “serious crime” within the meaning of Judiciary Law § 90(4)(f) and 22 NYCRR 1240.12(c)(2)(ii) is granted, and respondent Stefan M. Miller, admitted as Stefan Michael Miller, is suspended from the practice of law effective immediately, until such time as pending disciplinary matters have been concluded, and until further order of this Court…

(Mike Frisch)