On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department suspended attorney John J. Goggins III from practicing law due to his recent federal conviction. Goggins faced disciplinary actions following his guilty plea in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of John J. Goggins III,” with case no. 2024-02904.
Goggins was convicted on August 25, 2024, for willfully failing to file federal tax returns for the years 2018 through 2021, a violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7203. He admitted to knowingly earning income during those years and acknowledged his obligation to file tax returns, which he failed to do. The court determined that Goggins owed a significant amount in taxes, totaling $3,109,576 for the specified years.
On October 24, 2024, Goggins received a sentence of eight months in prison for each of the four counts of his conviction, with the sentences to run concurrently. Following his prison term, he will be subject to one year of supervised release for each count, also to be served concurrently. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of $40,000, a special assessment of $100, and restitution covering the taxes owed, which had already been paid at the time of sentencing.
The Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the First Judicial Department filed a motion on November 1, 2024, seeking to classify Goggins’ federal conviction as a “serious crime” under New York law. The AGC requested that the court immediately suspend Goggins, citing Judiciary Law § 90(4)(f) and the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters. The committee asserted that the nature of Goggins’ offense warranted suspension until a final decision regarding censure, suspension, or disbarment could be made.
Judiciary Law § 90(4)(d) defines a “serious crime” as any criminal offense that does not qualify as a felony but involves severe misconduct, including willful failure to file tax returns. The AGC noted that prior court rulings have recognized willful failure to file federal tax returns as a serious crime, reinforcing their argument for Goggins’ immediate suspension.
During proceedings, Goggins, through his legal counsel, did not oppose the AGC’s motion to classify his conviction as a serious crime. However, he requested a hearing to present mitigating evidence related to the appropriate sanction for his actions.
The court ultimately agreed with the AGC’s position, deeming Goggins’ conviction as a serious crime under the relevant statutory definition. Consequently, the court ordered Goggins to be suspended from the practice of law effective immediately, pending further orders. The suspension prohibits him from practicing law in any capacity, representing clients in court, or offering legal advice.
Furthermore, the court mandated that Goggins comply with the rules applicable to attorneys who have been disbarred or suspended. If Goggins possesses a secure pass issued by the Office of Court Administration, he is required to return it to the appropriate agency.
The Disposition states:
“Wherefore, it is Ordered that the motion by the Attorney Grievance Committee to deem the offense of which respondent, John J. Goggins III, has been found guilty to be a “serious crime” within the meaning of Judiciary Law 90 (4)(d) is granted, and respondent John J. Goggins III, is suspended pursuant to Judiciary Law 90 and 22 NYCRR 1240.12(c)(2)(ii) from the practice of law effective immediately.”
According to martindale.com, Mr. Goggins, III, attended the University of Chicago, graduating in 1985. He acquired his law license in New York in 1986.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
