Opinion
12-10-2014
In the Matter of Geoffrey L. STEIERT, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 029031980).
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 14–008, concluding that GEOFFREY L. STEIERT of VOORHEES, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1980, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months for violating RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the Disciplinary Review Board having further determined that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent should be required to submit proof of fitness to practice law;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that GEOFFREY L. STEIERT is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective immediately, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall submit to the Office of Attorney Ethics proof of his fitness to practice law as attested to by a mental health professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; and it is furtherORDERED 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 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 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.