In re Murray
In re Murray
Opinion of the Court
The Camden County Ethics and Grievance Committee filed two presentments against the respondent, Charles Prank Murray, a member of the bar of this State. The first reported the conclusion of the committee that Murray had received into his possession certain moneys as trust property for which he failed to account promptly. The second was based on a finding that Murray had received certain moneys from a client, one James A. Hammond, between June 29 and September 21, 1956, on account of his fee in connection with a divorce action to be brought on behalf of Hammond. The committee found also that thereafter, despite his assurances that the ease was proceeding satisfactorily, he had failed to take any action toward instituting the suit. In each instance the committee recommended disciplinary action.
At the time of the first presentment respondent had been indicted by the Camden County grand jury for the embezzlement of the moneys referred to, and was awaiting trial. He was tried and convicted on May 15, 1957, of embezzling $858.45 during November and December 1956, from the National Express Company. A sentence of one to two years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of $200 was imposed. The prison term was suspended.
We have examined the testimony given in support of the Hammond charge. Respondent did not appear at that hearing. Hor did he ever thereafter ask to be heard thereon by the committee. The evidence presented is entirely adequate to demonstrate that he accepted installment payments from Hammond under an agreement to institute a divorce action, that he repeatedly assured his client that the suit had been brought and was pending, and that no such action was ever brought.
Accordingly, both reports of the committee are confirmed and respondent is adjudged guilty of unprofessional conduct warranting discipline. He is suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years from the date hereof, and until the further order of this court.
For suspension for two years—Chief Justice Weintraub, and Justices Heher, Wacheneeld, Burling, Jacobs, Erancis and Proctor—7.
Opposed—Hone.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.