Opinion
11-17-2016
In The Matter of John O. Paragano, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 015001990)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 15–366, concluding that as a matter of final discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20–13(c), JOHN O. PARAGANO of UNION TOWNSHIP, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1990, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months based on respondent's guilty plea in the Superior Court of New Jersey to the disorderly persons offense of simple assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:1a(1), conduct that violates RPC 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer), and good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that JOHN O. PARAGANO is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months effective December 16, 2016, 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 further
ORDERED 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(c) ; 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.