In re Ervin
In re Ervin
Opinion of the Court
In this attorney disciplinary proceeding, the sub-panel and full panel recommend an indefinite suspension. We concur and impose the recommended sanction.
FACTS
Respondent, Edward S. Ervin, IV, was arrested for 9 counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud.
The sub-panel unanimously recommended imposition of an indefinite suspension, finding Ervin violated Rule 7 of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 413, SCACR, and the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 407, SCACR, due to his convictions for obtaining drugs by fraud. The sub-panel declined to address the issue of whether Ervin had misrepresented the hours worked on his community service form. It found “the recommended sanction would be the same in any event.” The full panel adopted the sub-panel’s report.
DISCUSSION
Initially, we find clear and convincing evidence from which to conclude Ervin misrepresented the number of hours worked at the Sumter Museum. At the hearing before this Court, respondent acknowledged that the evidence supports a finding that he falsified his PTI hours. Accordingly, we find respondent guilty of misconduct in misrepresenting his hours.
As a result of his conduct, respondent has violated the following provisions of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 413, SCACR: Rule 7(a)(1) (violation of a Rule of Professional Conduct), Rule 7(a)(4) (conviction of a crime of moral turpitude or a serious crime),
We conclude the appropriate sanction in this case is an indefinite suspension from the practice of law. The commencement point for this suspension will be the date respondent was temporarily suspended. Respondent shall file, within fifteen (15) days of this opinion, an affidavit with the clerk of this Court stating he has complied with Paragraph 30 of Rule 413, SCACR.
INDEFINITE SUSPENSION.
. Ervin became addicted to Oxcycodone in 1993 after he was prescribed pain medications for a back injury.
. See S.C.Code Ann. § 44-53-390(a)(3) (1985 & 1999 Supp.).
. S.C.Code Ann. § 44-53-40(1) (1985 & 1999 Supp.).
. Although a misdemeanor, we find the conviction for obtaining drugs by fraud or misrepresentation is a serious crime as defined by Rule 2(z)of the Rule on Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 413, SCACR, since its commission adversely reflects on respondent's honesty, trustworthiness, and fitness as a lawyer, and also involves fraud and/or misrepresentation.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In the Matter of Edward S. ERVIN IV
- Status
- Published