Professional Responsibility — Reciprocal discipline

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Professional Responsibility

Reciprocal discipline

Where an attorney licensed in both California and Wisconsin was involved in an auto accident, left an accident site and ultimately entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor insurance fraud in California, resulting in a two-year suspension of his license to practice in California, we conclude that a stipulated one-year suspension of his license to practice in Wisconsin is appropriate reciprocal discipline.

“On July 26, 2011, the parties filed a stipulation stating that Attorney Forstrom does not claim any of the potential defenses articulated in SCR 22.22(3)(a)-(c) but asks that this court consider supplemental information including the fact that on July 14, 2011, the Superior Court of California dismissed/expunged Attorney Forstrom’s misdemeanor conviction. In addition, Attorney Forstrom maintains that he did not recall being involved in an auto accident at the time he initiated the insurance claim that led to his conviction. He asserts he suffered a concussion/brain trauma caused by airbag deployment during the automobile collision which gave rise to the subsequent charge of knowingly providing false information in support of an insurance claim. Attorney Forstrom says after his memory resurfaced in the weeks following the accident, he formally withdrew his insurance claim, and he expresses deep remorse for the entire incident.

“The stipulation states its terms were not bargained for or negotiated between the parties, and that Attorney Forstrom admits the facts and misconduct alleged by the OLR and agrees to the level of discipline sought by the OLR director. Attorney Forstrom verifies that he fully understands the misconduct allegations, the ramifications should this court impose the stipulated level of discipline, his right to contest the matter, his right to consult with and retain counsel, and that his entry into the stipulation is made knowingly and voluntarily.”

We accept the stipulation; order the license of Forstrom be suspended for one year; and no costs shall be assessed against him.

2011AP1509-D In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Forstrom

2011 WI 88, Per curiam

Attorneys: For Complainant: MacArthur, Anne, Madison; For Respondent: Forstrom, Eric A., Huntington Beach, Calif.