IN RE: K. Douglas THORNTON (2000)

In this attorney disciplinary matter, respondent and Disciplinary Counsel have entered into an agreement under Rule 21, RLDE, Rule 413, SCACR.   In the agreement, respondent admits misconduct and consents to be suspended from the practice of law for ninety days.   We accept the agreement.

Respondent pled guilty to an indictment charging him with willful failure to make and file a South Carolina Income Tax Return for tax year 1994 in violation of S.C.Code Ann. § 12-54-40(b)(6)(c) (Supp.1999).   Respondent was sentenced to one year in prison and fined $10,000, suspended upon the payment of a fine of $500, plus assessments and a surcharge, payment of restitution, and completion of 350 hours of public service employment.   The sentence includes five years of probation which terminates upon the completion of the payments and the public service requirement.

The failure to file a tax return is a serious crime as set forth in Rule 2(z), RLDE, Rule 413, SCACR.   By his conduct, respondent has violated Rule 8.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 407, SCACR, and Rule 7(a)(4), RLDE, by committing a serious crime that reflects adversely upon his honesty, trustworthiness and fitness as a lawyer and has violated Rule 7(a)(5) and (6), RLDE, by engaging in conduct tending to bring the courts or legal profession into disrepute and violating the oath of office he took upon admission to the practice of law in this State.

In our opinion, respondent's misconduct warrants a definite suspension from the practice of law for ninety days.   Accordingly, respondent is suspended for ninety days, retroactive to February 15, 2000, the date of his interim suspension.   Within fifteen days of the date of this opinion, respondent shall file an affidavit with the Clerk of Court showing that he has complied with Rule 30, RLDE, Rule 413, SCACR.

DEFINITE SUSPENSION.

PER CURIAM: