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RULE 7. PRACTITIONERS CONVICTED OF CRIMES OR DISCIPLINED
BY OTHER COURTS OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES
(a) Evidence.
(1) A certified court judgment showing that a practitioner has been convicted of a crime is
conclusive proof of that fact for purposes of a disciplinary proceeding in the Court.
(2) Credible evidence of a final determination in another court or government entity that a
practitioner has committed and been disciplined for professional misconduct is conclusive
proof of that fact for purposes of a disciplinary proceeding in the Court unless the Court
determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that:
(A) The prior procedure was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard that it
constituted a deprivation of due process; or
(B) there was such an infirmity of proof as to the misconduct that the Court could not,
consistent with its duty, accept as final the conclusion on that subject; or
(C) the imposition of discipline by the Court would result in a grave injustice.
(b) Conviction of a Serious Crime.
(1) After receiving evidence (as described in subsection (a) above) that a practitioner has been
convicted of a serious crime, as defined in paragraph (3) below in any court of the United
States, of the District of Columbia, or of any state, territory, commonwealth, or possession
of the United States, the Clerk will (except as provided in the last sentence of this
paragraph):
(A) Issue an order imposing on the practitioner concerned an immediate temporary
nondisciplinary suspension from practice until proceedings under this Rule are
concluded, regardless of the pendency of any case in the Court, and refer the matter to
a Panel; and
(B) mail to the practitioner concerned a copy of the order and (unless the practitioner was
the source of the evidence received by the Court) a copy of the evidence received,
along with a copy of these rules; and
(C) send a copy of the order to any appellants represented by the practitioner concerned in
the Court, and to any sponsoring attorney or organization (including an organization
that arranged for pro bono representation by the practitioner concerned before the
Court), as appropriate.
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