Opinion
D–93 September Term 2017 080775
07-03-2018
In the MATTER OF Stuart I. RICH, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 025881991)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 17–321, concluding that as a matter of final discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20–13 (c) STUART I. RICH of NEW YORK, NEW YORK, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1991, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years;
based on his guilty plea in the New York Supreme Court to one count of fifth-degree criminal tax fraud, in violation of 20 N.Y.C.R.R. § 1802, a Class A misdemeanor under § 70.14 of the New York Penal Code, conduct that in New Jersey constitutes the violation of RPC 8.4(b) (criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects) and RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation);
And good cause appearing:
It is ORDERED that STUART I. RICH be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years, effective August 6, 2018; 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(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.