Rule ELPOC 7.1 - INTERIM SUSPENSION FOR CONVICTION OF A CRIME(a)Definitions.(1) "Conviction" for the purposes of this rule occurs upon entry of a plea of guilty, unless the defendant affirmatively shows that the plea was not accepted or was withdrawn, or upon entry of a finding or verdict of guilty, unless the defendant affirmatively shows that judgment was arrested or a new trial granted.(2) "Serious crime" includes any: (B) crime a necessary element of which, as determined by its statutory or common law definition, includes any of the following: interference with the administration of justice; false swearing; misrepresentation; fraud; deceit; bribery; extortion; misappropriation; or theft; or (C) attempt, or a conspiracy, or solicitation of another, to commit a "serious crime."(b)Procedure upon Conviction.(1) If an LPO is convicted of a felony, disciplinary counsel must file a formal complaint regarding the conviction. Disciplinary counsel must also petition the Supreme Court for an order suspending the respondent LPO during the pendency of disciplinary proceedings. The petition for suspension may be filed before the formal complaint.(2) If an LPO is convicted of a crime that is not a felony but that reflects directly on the LPO's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as an LPO in other respects, disciplinary counsel may refer the matter to the discipline committee to determine whether the crime is a serious crime. If so, disciplinary counsel proceeds in the same manner as for a felony.(3) If an LPO is convicted of a crime that is neither a felony nor a serious crime, the discipline committee considers a report of the conviction in the same manner as any other report of possible misconduct by an LPO.(c)Petition. A petition to the Supreme Court for suspension under this rule must include a copy of any available document establishing the fact of conviction. If the crime is not a felony, the petition must also include a copy of the discipline committee order finding that the crime is a serious crime. Disciplinary counsel may also include additional facts, statements, arguments, affidavits, and documents in the petition. A copy of the petition must be personally served on the respondent, and proof of service filed with the Court.(d)Immediate Interim Suspension. Upon the filing of a petition for suspension under this rule, the Court determines whether the crime constitutes a serious crime as defined in section (a).(1) If the crime is a felony, the Court must enter an order immediately suspending the respondent's LPO license.(2) If the crime is not a felony, the Court conducts a show cause proceeding under rule 7.2(b) to determine if the crime is a serious crime. If the Court determines the crime is a serious crime, the Court must enter an order immediately suspending the respondent's LPO license. If the Court determines that the crime is not a serious crime, upon being so advised, the Association processes the matter as it would any other grievance.(3) If suspended, the respondent must comply with Title 14.(4) Suspension under this rule occurs: (A) whether the conviction was under a law of this state, any other state, or the United States;(B) whether the conviction was after a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, not guilty, or otherwise; and(C) regardless of the pendency of an appeal.(e)Duration of Suspension. A suspension under this rule must terminate when the disciplinary proceeding is fully completed, after appeal or otherwise.(f)Termination of Suspension.(1)Petition and Response. A respondent may at any time petition the Board to recommend termination of an interim suspension. Disciplinary counsel may file a response to the petition. The Chair may direct disciplinary counsel to investigate as appears appropriate.(2)Board Recommendation. If either party requests, the Board must hear oral argument on the petition at a time and place and under terms as the Chair directs. The Board may recommend termination of a suspension only if the Board makes an affirmative finding of good cause to do so. There is no right of appeal from a Board decision declining to recommend termination of a suspension.(3)Court Action. The Court determines the procedure for its consideration of a recommendation to terminate a suspension.(g)Notice of Dismissal to Supreme Court. If disciplinary counsel has filed a petition for suspension under this rule, and the disciplinary proceedings based on the criminal conviction are dismissed, the Supreme Court must be provided a copy of the decision granting dismissal whether or not the respondent is suspended at the time of dismissal.Wash. Admi. And. Prac. R. ELPOC 7.1
Adopted effective 1/1/2009.