In Re Petty

In two consolidated matters, we review recommendations of the State Bar Court that petitioners Robert Keith Petty and Otis Gus McCray, former law partners, be disbarred from the practice of law because of their convictions of crimes involving moral turpitude. (See Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6101.) Neither petitioner contests the factual findings which were made by that court, but each objects to its failure to find mitigating and rehabilitating factors which would render excessive the discipline recommended. We have concluded that disbarment is warranted in each matter because of the crimes and the circumstances surrounding their commission. (See id., § 6102.)

Petty and McCray were admitted to the practice of law on January 7, 1971, and neither previously has been subjected to discipline. In January of 1972 they entered into a law partnership.

On December 8, 1977, Petty was convicted on his pleas of nolo contendere to eight counts of grand theft in violation of Penal Code section 487, subdivision 1, and four counts of forgery in violation of Penal Code section 470. Imposition of sentence was suspended and Petty was placed on probation for a period of five years on condition,…