IN RE: DISCIPLINE OF ROY LAVERNE NELSON (2024)

ORDER OF REFERRAL TO DISCIPLINARY BOARD

This is a petition under SCR 111 informing this court that attorney Roy Laverne Nelson, III has been convicted of two misdemeanor offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol, in violation of NRS 484C.110. Nelson did not self-report the convictions to the State Bar as required by SCR 111(2). Because Nelson was convicted of two misdemeanor traffic violations involving alcohol, bar counsel investigated and presented the matter to a screening panel before filing this petition, as required by SCR 111(4). The screening panel expressed concern that the convictions could adversely reflect on Nelson's fitness to practice and recommended that this court return the matter to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board for disciplinary proceedings.

Because the convictions are not for a “serious crime” as defined in SCR 111(6), temporary suspension and referral for disciplinary proceedings are not mandatory. SCR 111(7). Having considered the petition and supporting documentation, we conclude that Nelson's convictions do not warrant the imposition of a temporary suspension. See SCR 111(9). But considering the seriousness of the charges and resulting convictions, we refer this matter to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board to consider whether Nelson engaged in conduct that would warrant discipline and, if so, to determine the extent of the discipline to be imposed. See id. (providing that this court “may refer the matter to the appropriate disciplinary board for any action it may deem warranted”).

It is so ORDERED.

Cadish, C.J.

Stiglich, J.

Pickering, J.

Herndon, J.

Lee, J.

Parraguirre, J.

Bell, J.