Opinion
05-24-2017
In the MATTER OF Ralph A. GONZALEZ, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 012401987)
ORDER
This matter have been duly presented pursuant to Rule 1:20–10(b), following a granting of a motion for discipline by consent in DRB 16–422 of RALPH A. GONZALEZ of VOORHEES , who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1987;
And the Office of Attorney Ethics and respondent having signed a stipulation of discipline by consent in which it was agreed that respondent violated RPC 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the parties having agreed that respondent's conduct violated RPC 8.4(b) and RPC 8.4(d), and that said conduct warrants discipline in the range of a censure to a three-month suspension;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having determined that a three-month suspension from practice is the appropriate discipline for respondent's unethical conduct and having granted the motion for discipline by consent in District Docket No. XIV–2014–0543E;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having submitted the record of the proceedings to the Clerk of the Supreme Court for the entry of an order of discipline in accordance with Rule 1:20–16(e);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that RALPH A. GONZALEZ of VOORHEES is hereby suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, effective June 22, 2017, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent comply with Rule 1:20–20 dealing with suspended attorneys; and it is furtherORDERED that pursuant to Rule 1:20–20(c), respondent's failure to comply with the Affidavit of Compliance requirement of Rule 1:20–20(b)(15) may (1) preclude the Disciplinary Review Board from considering respondent's petition for reinstatement for a period of up to six months from the date respondent files proof of compliance; (2) be found to constitute a violation of RPC 8.1(b) and RPC 8.4(d) ; and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10–2; and it is further
ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20–17.