On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona suspended Stuart Andrew Whittington from practicing law for six months and one day.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Stuart Andrew Whittington,” with case no. PDJ 2024-9064.
Whittington, who was already suspended for nonpayment of dues, faced disciplinary action for multiple felony convictions between 2018 and 2021. A formal hearing regarding Whittington’s conduct was held on September 9, 2024. Though notified, Whittington did not attend or participate in the proceedings.
In its Decision and Order Imposing Sanctions on September 16, 2024, the hearing panel found that Whittington knowingly violated his professional duties as an attorney. Between 2018 and 2020, Whittington pled guilty to various drug possession and driving under the influence charges in Maricopa County. He failed to report these criminal convictions to the State Bar as required.
The panel found two aggravating factors – a pattern of misconduct due to multiple offenses over several years, and bad faith obstruction by failing to comply with the disciplinary investigation. It noted two mitigating factors – imposition of other penalties through his criminal convictions, and lack of prior disciplinary history.
Considering the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the panel determined that a six-month and one-day suspension was the presumptive sanction. It expressed concern that Whittington would pose a danger to the public if allowed to practice law again before demonstrating rehabilitation.
In its Final Judgement and Order filed on October 1, 2024, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge formally suspended Whittington for six months and one day, effective September 16, 2024. Whittington must comply with client notification requirements and pay $2,021.45 in costs. He will be ineligible to practice law in Arizona until the suspension period and any other reinstatement conditions are completed.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Whittington is a lawyer in Chandler, Arizona. He attended the University of New Hampshire School of Law. He acquired his law license in Arizona in 2012.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
