On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommended suspending attorney Gregory James Sauzer’s law license for six months with all but 30 days deferred, followed by probation for one year for failing to file federal income tax returns for four years between 2015 and 2018.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Gregory James Sauzer,” with case no. 22-DB-058.

The charges cited Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct rule 8.4(a),8.4(b), and 8.4(c). 

Sauzer, who has been practicing law since 2013, had pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of failing to file tax returns. According to records from the disciplinary hearing, Sauzer admitted to violating professional conduct rules that prohibit committing criminal acts, engaging in dishonest conduct, and attempting to violate other rules. During the 2015-2018 period when he did not file taxes, Sauzer earned between around $35,000 to $63,000 annually from his work as a criminal defense attorney.

While acknowledging his actions were willful, Sauzer claimed he was under significant financial, professional, and emotional stress related to issues from his criminal law practice. He has since paid full restitution to the IRS and complied with other terms of his probation like community service. Sauzer has also not faced any other disciplinary actions previously in his career.

At the hearing, Sauzer’s current employer testified that Sauzer performs his job competently and has high integrity despite not disclosing his tax issues initially. If suspended, his law firm argued it could negatively impact clients. Ultimately, the disciplinary committee found Sauzer displayed remorse and was honest about not properly filing due to personal problems at the time.

In reaching its recommended sanction that would allow Sauzer to resume practice after 30 days off, the committee said the amount of unpaid taxes was smaller than in some similar past cases. It also noted Sauzer’s clean record until this incident as well as evidence of his good character from employer evaluations.

The recommendation states:

“Considering all the factors of this case and analysis of the applicable case law, the Committee recommends a six-month suspension from the practice of law with all but thirty (30) days deferred. [FN4] The Committee further recommends that the Respondent be placed on probation for a period of one year. Any misconduct during the probationary period will result in activation of the deferred suspension, in addition to any additional sanction for future misconduct.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Sauzer is an attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 2013.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.