The Supreme Court of Ohio has indefinitely suspended Elyria attorney James T. Robinson for failing to self-report a federal felony drug conviction. This marks the second indefinite suspension for Robinson, who was first suspended in 2009.
Robinson's recent troubles began when he disclosed to the Lorain County Bar Association in December 2022 his intent to apply for reinstatement, revealing for the first time that he had been convicted of ordering weekly crack cocaine deliveries to his home. The court found this disclosure insufficient as it only came as part of a plea-bargained sentence compliance effort rather than an ethical self-report.
In a per curiam opinion, the court determined that Robinson violated ethics rules by not reporting a conviction that questions his honesty and trustworthiness as a lawyer. "The Court noted that Robinson did not truly report his violation but only informed the bar association of his conviction to demonstrate that he complied with his plea-bargained sentence," stated the court.
Upon learning of Robinson's conviction, the court imposed an interim felony suspension, which added to his prior indefinite suspension. A majority credited him for time served since January 2023 under this interim measure. Typically, attorneys can seek reinstatement after serving two years of an indefinite suspension.
Justices R. Patrick DeWine, Michael P. Donnelly, Melody Stewart, and Joseph T. Deters supported the majority opinion, while Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy and Justice Patrick F. Fischer opposed crediting time served under interim suspension. Justice Jennifer Brunner abstained from participating in the case.
Robinson's legal troubles date back to 2009 when he was suspended for neglecting bankruptcy cases and misrepresenting their status to clients. He later testified about long-standing struggles with drug addiction at a Board of Professional Conduct hearing after being indicted in 2020 on charges related to crack cocaine possession and distribution.
Robinson admitted during hearings that he had received weekly crack deliveries from 2018 until mid-2020 but denied daily usage or possession during searches by authorities. He pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug premises and was sentenced in April 2022 to three years' probation by a U.S. District Court judge.
Eight months post-conviction, Robinson submitted a draft petition for law practice reinstatement, disclosing his felony conviction for the first time and asserting cessation of drug use alongside treatment program completion documentation.
The bar association responded by filing a complaint citing failure to self-report and arguing substance-use issues affect Robinson's fitness for legal practice.
During board hearings, Robinson detailed completed treatment programs linked to his plea agreement and ongoing participation in Narcotics Anonymous groups along with compliance with an Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program contract initiated in 2023.
While acknowledging this second indefinite suspension due to non-disclosure, the board recognized Robinson's commitment toward sobriety improvement efforts.
For potential reinstatement consideration, proof is required showing continued participation in Narcotics Anonymous alongside OLAP contract adherence obligations. Additionally, disciplinary proceeding costs were levied against him as ruled by the court.
"2024-0169: Lorain Cty Bar Assn v Robinson; Slip Opinion No.: 2024-Ohio-1657."
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