Rule 3-5.3 — Interim Suspension

RULE 3-5.3. INTERIM SUSPENSION (a) Grounds for Suspension. The Supreme Court of Florida may suspend a lawyer from the practice of law until further order of the court based on a petition of The Florida Bar, authorized by its president, president-elect, or executive director attaching the documents charging a lawyer with a felony by an indictment or information in state or federal court that reflects adversely on the lawyer's fitness to practice law. (b) Procedure. (1) Order to Show Cause. On receipt of the petition, the Supreme Court of Florida may issue an order directing the respondent to show cause why the respondent should not be suspended from the practice of law until further order of the court. The order to show cause must set a date for response and any reply. (2) Supreme Court Action. After consideration of the petition, any response, and any reply, the Supreme Court of Florida may enter an order, effective immediately or at a date set by the court, suspending the respondent from the practice of law until further order of the court. (c) Conditions of Suspension. The Supreme Court of Florida may impose conditions of the interim suspension as it deems necessary to protect the interests of the public and the orderly administration of justice. (d) Motion to Dissolve. The respondent may file a motion to dissolve the interim suspension only on a change in the criminal charges or on a disposition of the felony criminal charges. If the criminal charges result in a determination or judgment of guilt, rule 3-5.3 requires compliance with rule 3-5.1.