While married to Theresa W., attorney Joseph R. went to Jamaica and married Radiah G.
(Joseph reportedly identified himself as a "bachelor" to government officials in order to secure a Jamaican marriage license.)
When the Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department (DDC) got wind of the arrangement it filed a series of charges accusing Joseph of "illegal conduct," and "conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation."
After a hearing, the DDC concluded that Joseph deserved a six-month suspension and, on review, the Appellate Division, First Department, agreed with that recommendation. (The appellate court found the punishment to be in line with prior disciplinary cases where attorneys were accused of making "willful misrepresentations" to courts or government officials.)
That sure was big of them.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link:Matter of R.