Reported Attorney Misconduct Committed By Attorney Stephen M. Hunter In Rhode Island

Attorney Stephen Hunter's License Suspended For One Year

Oct 2009  The Rhode Island Supreme Court has ordered that the Stephen M. Hunter’s license to practice law be suspended for one year. Hunter has been convicted of five crimes.  Stephen Hunter, of Cranston, pled no contest in Superior Court to a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance, steroids; three misdemeanor charges of domestic assault; and one misdemeanor charge of malicious damage to property.

Judge Netti Vogel in March sentenced Attorney Stephen Hunter to a seven-year suspended sentence on all the counts, with seven years’ probation.  As a condition of his probation, Judge Vogel ordered that he undergo evaluation for substance abuse, that he participate in domestic-violence counseling and that he have no contact with the victim.

In an appearance before the Supreme Court, Attorney Hunter asked that his sanction be less than suspension or revocation of his license.  As mitigating factors, he said that he had practiced law for 18 years and had not been disciplined, that his misconduct was unrelated to his practice, that he had been receiving counseling for anger management and substance abuse, and that he is in compliance with the sentence for his conviction.  The court held irrelevant the issue that his crimes were unrelated to his practice.  Read the ruling which states in part:

"Professional discipline serves two purposes: protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the profession.  In re Almonte, 678 A.2d 457, 458 (R.I. 1996)"

Caught.net Note:  Perhaps it would be better said this way:  "protecting the public and RESTORING the integrity of the profession"