When A Neighbor Knocks

A recent reprimand by a Grievance Committee of the North Carolina State Bar

Between December 2020 and January 2021, you were employed as an Assistant District Attorney at the Wake County District Attorney’s Office and resided at an apartment complex in Raleigh, North Carolina. At approximately 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2021, you knocked on the doors of two of your neighbors’ apartments to speak with the individuals inside regarding suspected drug use. You had been drinking alcohol that night and you appeared impaired. Further, your neighbors observed you openly carrying a holstered pistol. You informed your neighbors that you worked at the District Attorney’s Office, and you accused your neighbors of using and selling marijuana. You requested one neighbor provide you with information related to his alleged drug use and drug sales, and you asked a different neighbor whether you could come into his apartment to “search” and/or “look around.” When your neighbors denied your accusations and access into their apartments, you threatened to obtain a search warrant, if necessary.

Accordingly, you are hereby reprimanded by the North Carolina State Bar for your professional misconduct consisting of the cited violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Grievance Committee trusts that you will heed this reprimand, that it will be remembered by you, that it will be beneficial to you, and that you will never again allow yourself to depart from adherence to the high ethical standards of the legal profession.

(Mike Frisch)