Professional Responsibility — suspension

Listen to this article

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Civil

Professional Responsibility — suspension

Where attorney Maria T. Schreier was convicted of 14 crimes, a 30-month suspension is appropriate.

“While all of Attorney Schreier’s criminal convictions are troublesome, one is particularly so: Attorney Schreier’s conviction for second-degree reckless endangerment contrary to Wis. Stat. § 941.30(2), a Class G felony. By definition, this conviction was based on conduct that Attorney Schreier knew created an unreasonable and substantial risk of great bodily harm. See Wis JI-Criminal 1347; Wis. Stat. § 939.24(1). By any measure, that is a serious crime. Combining that felony with Attorney Schreier’s long list of other convictions, it becomes clear that for several years, Attorney Schreier had a habitual disregard for the law and her obligations as an attorney. A two-year suspension risks unduly depreciating the seriousness of Attorney Schreier’s professional misconduct. A 30-month suspension is more appropriate.”

2012AP366-D OLR v. Schreier

Attorneys: For Complainant: Lefever, Ronald P., Brookfield; Weigel, William J., Madison; For Respondent: Kerscher, John F., Manitowoc; Schreier, Maria J., Roslindale, MA