The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania took swift action on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, suspending attorney David Addison Grant Murray in the wake of his convictions for criminal trespass and simple assault.

The case is entitled “Office of the Disciplinary Counsel v. David Addison Grant Murray” with case no. 3 DB 2023.

The charges cited Rules of Professional Conduct (“RPC”) and Enforcement Rules, RPC 8.4(b) and Pa.R.D.E. 203(b)(I) which states:

It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects.

Conviction of a crime is grounds for discipline.

In a joint petition filed on July 20, 2023, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) and attorney David Addison Grant Murray have presented a united front in support of disciplinary action, according to documents from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Murray faced criminal charges stemming from an incident on October 24, 2021. The charges, including burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, and terroristic threats, resulted from an altercation involving Murray and his ex-girlfriend, Amelia Destefano. Murray’s actions led to his conviction for criminal trespass and simple assault, while charges of burglary and terroristic threats were dropped. In light of these developments, ODC and Murray jointly proposed a one-year suspension, retroactively effective from February 7, 2023, as the recommended disciplinary action.

The joint petition highlights several mitigating factors, including Murray’s lack of prior disciplinary history, his cooperation during ODC’s investigation, and his acknowledgment of responsibility for his actions. Additionally, Murray’s acceptance of the temporary suspension of his law license pending the outcome of the disciplinary matter demonstrates his commitment to addressing the consequences of his conduct. The proposed suspension duration takes into account the uniqueness of the case, striving to balance the severity of Murray’s actions with the appropriate disciplinary measure.

After thoroughly examining the matter at hand, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania responded by accepting the petition and subsequently suspending attorney David Addison Grant Murray.

The Disposition states:

“AND NOW, this 23rd day of August 2023, upon consideration of the Recommendation of the Three-Member Panel of the Disciplinary Board, the Joint Petition in Support of Discipline on Consent is granted, and David Addison Grant Murray is suspended from the Bar of this Commonwealth for a period of one year, retroactive to February 7, 2023. Respondent shall comply with the provisions of Pa.R.D.E. 217 and pay costs to the Disciplinary Board.”

Mr. David Addison Grant Murray practiced in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, prior to the suspension. He graduated from Penn State Law in 2020. His info can be found on LinkedIn.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.