Traffic Stop

The South Carolina Supreme Court has reprimanded an attorney

On March 10, 2023, Respondent was pulled over for speeding by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Following a search incident to this traffic stop, Respondent was arrested and charged with one felony count of possession with intent to distribute LSD, along with misdemeanor charges for simple possession of marijuana, possession of an open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle, and speeding. At the time of his arrest, Respondent was a solo practitioner. On March 19, 2023, Respondent self-reported his arrest to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. On April 3, 2023, the Court placed Respondent on interim suspension and appointed the Receiver to protect the interests of Respondent’s clients. On May 1, 2024, Respondent’s license was administratively suspended for failing to comply with continuing legal education requirements.

In July 2024, Respondent successfully completed the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit’s Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI). As a result, Respondent’s charges for possession with intent to distribute LSD, simple possession of marijuana, and open container were nolle prossed, and his speeding charge was dismissed. All but the speeding charge have now been expunged.

On September 19, 2024, the Court granted Respondent’s petition to lift his interim suspension. Respondent remains on administrative suspension.

Agreed sanction

In the Agreement, Respondent admits his wrongdoing; acknowledges that his criminal conduct reflects adversely on his fitness as a lawyer; and agrees to a confidential admonition or public reprimand. In addition to agreeing to pay the investigative and prosecutorial costs incurred in this matter, Respondent agrees to meet with Lawyers Helping Lawyers (LHL) within two months of the imposition of any sanction to undergo a drug abuse assessment in order to determine whether Respondent needs any additional services or treatment. Respondent likewise agrees to comply with any of LHL’s recommendations.

The court

We find Respondent’s misconduct warrants a public reprimand. Accordingly, we accept the Agreement and publicly reprimand Respondent for his misconduct. Within thirty days, Respondent shall pay the costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of this matter by ODC and the Commission on Lawyer Conduct (Commission). As a condition of discipline, Respondent must also undergo a drug abuse assessment conducted by LHL within two months of this opinion to determine whether he needs any additional services or treatments. Respondent shall comply with any recommendations made by LHL, with Respondent’s compliance to be monitored by the Commission.

(Mike Frisch)