Practice Areas > Attorney Licensing & Discipline
Attorney Licensing & Discipline
We know how hard you worked to earn your law degree, and the good work you want to do. Unfortunately, situations may occur – either past youthful indiscretions, or current missteps – which could prevent you from obtaining or keeping your license, and ultimately, your livelihood. Iosue Law can help you navigate those situations, and protect your ability to practice.
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Range of Sanctions
Whether you enter into a settlement agreement or try your case, sanctions range from a Private Administrative Admonition, to disbarment:
Private Administrative Admonition
A “PAA” is available as a means to settle disciplinary actions before a complaint is filed with the Supreme Court. A PAA is only available for certain types of misconduct, and under certain conditions. The PAA consists of an affidavit in which the responding attorney admits that that the allegations are true, and that they could not defend themselves if the case went to trial. The fact that an attorney receives a PAA is public record, but the contents of the PAA letter which detail the facts of the misconduct, are confidential.
Probation
If the Court deems fit, it can stay the execution of an attorney’s suspension, and instead place his or her license on probation. The Court can impose limitations, restrictions, or conditions upon the attorney’s license. Probation is never lifted automatically, and the attorney must petition the court to lift the probation from his or her license. If the attorney violates a condition of his or her probation, the Disciplinary Commission can move the Court to impose the suspension.
Disbarment
In Indiana, disbarment is permanent, meaning that the attorney’s license to practice is permanently revoked, and s/he cannot practice law in Indiana again.
Private Reprimand
A private reprimand details the misconduct in a written document. A private reprimand is public record, though it is not publicized, and not published.
Public Reprimand
A public reprimand details the misconduct in a written document. It is public record, and published.
Suspensions
Suspensions can be imposed upon a license for any time period between one day and 3 years. Suspensions can be imposed for a finite period of time with automatic reinstatement, or without automatic reinstatement. All suspensions over 180 days are without automatic reinstatement. Suspensions 180 days or less may be imposed with or without automatic reinstatement. To return to practice after a suspension without automatic reinstatement, you must petition the court to reinstate your license.
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Petition to Reinstate License
The burden is upon the suspended attorney to prove, among other things, that s/he is now fit to practice law. The attorney must prove that the deficiency that led to the misconduct has been remedied, such that it is not likely to recur. A Hearing Officer will be appointed and a hold an evidentiary hearing where both the attorney and the Disciplinary Commission can offer evidence.
About Laura Iosue
Laura Iosue (pronounced “YAHZ-way“) is an Indianapolis-based lawyer focused on Criminal Defense, Professional Licensing, Attorney Licensing, CHINS, and more. Laura puts focused attention and care into every case, going far beyond her clients’ expectations. Use the form below and reach out today for a free consultation.