Local Rule L.R. 83-6.7: Attorneys Convicted of Serious Crimes

N.D. Ind. L.R. 83-6.7 Attorneys Convicted of Serious Crimes

(a) Immediate Suspension. An attorney may be suspended immediately if a court in the United States or its territories, possessions, or commonwealths convicts the attorney of a serious crime.

(b) Evidence of Conviction. A certified copy of a judgment or order reflecting conviction of a serious crime is conclusive evidence that the crime was committed.

(c) Suspension Process. When conclusive evidence of conviction of a serious crime is filed with the court, the court must immediately suspend the attorney and serve the attorney with the suspension order.

(d) Authority to Set Aside Suspension. The chief judge may lift the suspension for good cause.

(e) Effect of Reversal. If a certificate demonstrating that the conviction has been reversed is filed with the court, the court must immediately reinstate the attorney. But:

(A) any pending disciplinary proceedings against the attorney will continue; and

(B) the court may resolve the pending disciplinary proceedings based on all available evidence pertaining to the attorney's guilt.

(f) Effect of Appeals and Manner of Conviction. The court and chief judge's obligations under this rule do not change:

(A) because there are pending appeals or other actions attacking the conviction; or

(B) due to the manner of conviction (for example, from a guilty plea, nolo contendere, or a verdict after trial).