California Lawyer Arrested Twice Has Some Explaining to Do

A California lawyer from Marin County has been arrested – twice – on drug related charges.  The story is here.  By the way, the paraphernalia in the photo is NOT from the attorney. 
Earlier in the month, the attorney was stopped by California Highway Patrol after he was allegedly driving almost 100 mph on Highway 101.  His car was searched when it was determined his license had been suspended and he had no proof of insurance.  A drug pipe, meth, prescription meds, and a possible counterfeit bill were found.  Later, the police continued with a search of the attorney’s home, where they found drug pipes, more meth, marijuana baggies, and more counterfeit bills.  As he was being processed for jail more meth was found on his person.

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that is similar in structure to amphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. Although methamphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses that are prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment.

California attorneys suffering from substance abuse and addiction problems should consider calling the State Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program, it’s confidential.   

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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.
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Utah Attorney Ordered To Stand Trial For DUI - Again

A lawyer facing his sixth DUI charge was ordered to stand trial.  He had been arrested on suspicion of DUI six months after being released for a previous DUI conviction.  The story is here. 

The arresting police officer testified at a hearing that he saw a car swerve and pulled it over.  He smelled alcohol, and said the driver had glassy eyes and spoke with slurred speech.  The attorney arrested is a former criminal defense attorney.

 

The Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program reports that at least two studies found judges and lawyers suffer from a higher rate of alcoholism than the general population.  While about 10% of the general population suffers from alcoholism, for lawyers it is almost 20%.  That's why many states require attorneys to complete continuing legal education in the prevention of substance abuse in the legal profession.  Lawyers may also check with their State Bar association for programs offering counseling and treatment. 

 

 

 

 

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Attorney Busted For Indoor Pot Farm

Should marijuana be legalized? At least one Philadelphia attorney may think so – after he was charged with conspiracy to grow and distribute 1,000 marijuana plants!

According to federal prosecutors, attorney Richard Creamer co-owns a warehouse in North Philadelphia that was turned into an indoor marijuana farm. Creamer and others may have been planning to expand their pot growing operation to Northern California before the authorities interceded.

The story is here and here among other places.

Creamer’s attorney says Creamer had no idea that pot plants were being grown in his warehouse, although he maintained a private office inside. But Creamer’s co-owner has already pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy, manufacturing and distribution charges.









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Utah Attorney Struggles With Prescription Drugs

An attorney from St. George, Utah was arrested for prescription drug fraud last month. The story is here. Michael Lastowski is charged with using different doctors to obtain a controlled substance.

Lastowski allegedly purchased two similar drugs using prescriptions from different doctors. But neither doctor was aware of the prescription from the other doctor. Police said it is against the law to fail to tell a doctor that you already have a prescription from another doctor. Police also said that the prescriptions had been altered.

Prescription drug abuse is taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed. Of course, the abuse of prescription drugs can produce serious health effects, including addiction. Once addicted, the abuser may resort to extreme and sometimes unlawful measures to obtain more of the drug.

Lastowski is innocent until proven guilty. But the fact pattern here would illustrate this point.

A nifty government fact sheet about the abuse of prescription drugs can be found here.

"One pill makes you . . .'



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