Ex-Lawyer Gets 8 Months For DUI and Bribery

This is not a happy story.  It concerns the adverse affects from substance abuse and addiction.  A Bay Area intellectual property law attorney was suspended from the practice of law after his DUI conviction.  There is more. 

When Richard Chae was pulled over back in February 2010 for suspicion of drunk driving he tried to convince the police officer to forget the matter.  That discussion apparently involved the offer of a bribe.  Why?  Perhaps it was because he had already been convicted twice before for DUI.  A contributing cause of the bribery attempt may also have been the alcohol.  His BAC was reportedly 0.13.  The story is here. 

Attorneys in California who would like to talk about their problem with alcohol may contact the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP).  LAP was established by the California Legislature. It is a confidential service of the State Bar of California. Staffed by professionals with many years of experience assisting the legal community with personal issues, the LAP provides assistance to attorneys whose personal or professional life is being detrimentally impacted by substance abuse, other compulsive behaviors, and/or mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

The LAP is a comprehensive program offering support and structure from the beginning stage of recovery through continuing care. It includes: individual counseling, expert assessment and consultation, assistance with arrangements for intensive treatment, monitored continuing care, random lab testing, professionally facilitated support groups, and peer support groups. The program also works with family members, friends, colleagues, judges and other court staff who wish to obtain help for an impaired attorney. Financial assistance is available so that no one is prevented from participating in the program due to financial limitations.

Attorneys may self-refer into this program or may be referred as the result of an investigation or disciplinary proceeding. Participation in the LAP is strictly and absolutely confidential. No information concerning participation in the program can be released without the attorney’s prior written consent.
 Return to Substance Abuse CLE.