In re Ross

John Michael Ross, admitted to practice in 1977, was convicted of two counts of criminal contempt under title 18 United States Codes section 401. His conviction is now final.

We referred the matter to the State Bar for a hearing, report, and recommendation on the question whether the facts and circumstances surrounding the commission of the offenses involved moral turpitude or other misconduct warranting discipline and, if so found, the nature and extent of the discipline to be imposed. The State Bar’s report has now been filed. The State Bar Court concluded that Ross’s acts did not involve moral turpitude, but did constitute other misconduct warranting discipline. The State Bar recommends that Ross be suspended for two years, that execution of the suspension be stayed, and that he be placed on probation for two years on conditions including six months’ actual suspension. Ross filed timely objections to the State Bar’s recommendation and report, but did not make a timely request for oral argument. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 951(d).)

This court, after reviewing the entire record and considering all the facts and circumstances, has concluded that Ross’s conduct…