Attorneys – Discipline – Definite Suspension – Alcohol Abuse – Assault

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The respondent-attorney, who had been drinking, physically assaulted his girlfriend and was charged with third-degree assault and battery. He self-reported the charge, attended a 45-day inpatient treatment program, continued with outpatient treatment, attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and has had his criminal charge nolle prossed and his arrest records destroyed. Respondent’s conduct violated Rule 8.4(b), RPC (prohibiting criminal acts that reflect adversely on a lawyer’s fitness to practice law).

We accept the agreement for discipline by consent; suspend respondent from the practice of law in this state for nine months, retroactive to April 16, 2021, the date of his interim suspension; and order respondent to pay the costs of the investigation and prosecution of this matter. Should respondent be reinstated, he shall enter into and comply with a three-year monitoring contract with Lawyers Helping Lawyers and ensure quarterly reports by his treating physician are filed with the Commission on Lawyer Conduct.

In re DuPree (Lawyers Weekly No. 010-013-22, 3 pp.) (Per curiam) John Nichols and Julie Martino for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel; Grady Query for respondent. S.C. S. Ct.