On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona suspended attorney Larry Ruhl-Guaita for disobeying court responsibilities and engagement in actions that harm the smooth operation of the legal system.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Larry Ruhl-Guaita,” with case no. 2023-9041.
In an agreement for discipline by consent, it was stated that the proceedings against Ruhl-Guaita commenced with the issuance of a probable cause order on April 20, 2023, followed by the formal lodging of a complaint on May 11, 2023. Remarkably, Ruhl-Guaita opted to forgo the right to an adjudicatory hearing, abstaining from seeking legal counsel, and consenting to the proposed disciplinary actions. Ruhl-Guaita openly acknowledged his violation of Rule 42 of the Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court, particularly Ethical Rules 3.4(c) and 8.4(d). These breaches pertain to the deliberate defiance of court obligations and involvement in actions detrimental to the proper functioning of the justice system.
The infractions in question trace back to Ruhl-Guaita’s non-appearance at a hearing related to his felony criminal case (CR2021-145562) within Maricopa County Superior Court. Subsequently, a bench warrant was issued, and the attorney opted not to surrender himself, consequently classifying him as a fugitive from the law. The agreement delineates a two-year suspension for Ruhl-Guaita, accompanied by supplementary stipulations. Furthermore, he was obligated to cover the expenditures and costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings within 30 days from the issuance of the order. Failure to meet this financial obligation promptly will result in interest accruing at the legal rate.
Following the agreement for discipline, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Arizona chose to endorse and approve the same. Consequently, this decision resulted in the suspension of Ruhl-Guaita from practicing law.
The Disposition states:
“IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Larry Ruhl-Guaita, Bar No. 032936, is suspended from the practice of law in Arizona for two years for his conduct in violation of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct, effective 30 days from the date of this order. If Respondent is reinstated to the practice of law in the future, he shall be subject to terms of probation imposed in the reinstatement proceedings.”
Mr. Ruhl-Guaita practices in Tempe, Arizona. He is licensed in Arizona. His info can be found on martindale.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
