Paragraph 13-28 Consent to Revocation
Paragraph 13. Procedure for Disciplining, Suspending, and Disbarring Attorneys
Rule Text
(A) When Permitted. An Attorney who is the subject of a disciplinary complaint, Investigation or Proceeding may consent to Revocation, but only by delivering to the Clerk an affidavit declaring the Attorney’s consent to Revocation and stating that:
(1) The consent is freely and voluntarily rendered, that the Attorney is not being subjected to coercion or duress, and that the Attorney is fully aware of the implications of consenting to Revocation;
(2) The Attorney is aware that there is currently pending a disciplinary complaint, Investigation, or Proceeding, the nature of which must be specifically set forth in the affidavit;
(3) The Attorney acknowledges that the material facts upon which the disciplinary complaint, Investigation, or Proceeding are predicated are true; and
(4) The Attorney submits the consent to Revocation because the Attorney knows that if disciplinary Proceedings based on the alleged conduct were brought or prosecuted to a conclusion, the Attorney could not successfully defend them.
(B) Admissions. The admissions offered in the affidavit consenting to Revocation are not deemed an admission in any proceeding except one relating to the status of the Attorney as a member of the Bar.
(C) Procedure. The Clerk must submit the affidavit to Bar Counsel, who must investigate the affidavit and determine whether, based upon the information available, the statements in the sworn application appear to be true and complete. If Bar Counsel files a written objection to the affidavit with the Clerk, the Board must hold a hearing on whether the affidavit and consent to Revocation should be accepted. If Bar Counsel does not file an objection, the Board must enter an order revoking the Attorney’s License by consent without a hearing.
(D) Attorney Action Required upon Revocation. Upon entry of such an order of Revocation by consent, the revoked Attorney must immediately cease the practice of law and must comply with the notice requirements set forth in subparagraph 13-29.
(E) Dismissal of Complaints or Allegations of Misconduct. When an Attorney’s License is revoked by consent, Bar Counsel, in his or her discretion, may dismiss without prejudice any and all Complaints or allegations of Misconduct then pending by notifying the Clerk and the District Committee, Board or court wherein the matter or matters lie. The amendments effective July 16, 2021, revised Paragraph 13 to promote greater fairness, efficiency, consistency, and transparency in bar proceedings. The amendments effective December 1, 2019, revised Paragraph 13-28 to clarify and simplify language. The amendments effective March 19, 2010, revised Paragraph 13 dealing with the use of the phrase "Charge of Misconduct".