Discipline Notice - Ronald P. Abernethy

License Number: 14239
Member Name: Ronald P. Abernethy
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 10/12/2010
RPC: 8.4 (b) - Criminal Act
Discipline Notice:
Description: Robert P. Abernethy (WSBA No. 14239, admitted 1984), of Seattle, received a reprimand by order of a hearing officer on October 12, 2010, following approval of a stipulation by the Disciplinary Board. This discipline is based on conduct involving the commission of a crime.

Mr. Abernethy failed to pay and file taxes for 2006 and 2007 to the city of Seattle. During that time period, he further engaged in his law business in Seattle without having first obtained a business license.

On February 21, 2008, Mr. Abernethy entered a guilty plea in Seattle Municipal Court to Failure to Pay Taxes and Engaging in Business Without a License, both gross misdemeanors. He was given a two-year deferred sentence. Mr. Abernethy complied with all of the conditions of his sentence and, on February 19, 2010, his case was dismissed with prejudice.

Mr. Abernethy’s conduct violated RPC 8.4(b), prohibiting a lawyer from committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects.

Erica W. Temple represented the Bar Association. Mr. Abernethy represented himself.


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