New York Attorney Stefan M. Miller Faces Interim Suspension Following Conviction for Criminal Contempt

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department issued a ruling in the matter of attorney Stefan M. Miller. The court found that Miller had been convicted of a serious crime and ordered his interim suspension from practicing law in New York state.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Stefan M. Miller,” with case no. 2023-04231.

In 2023, Miller pleaded guilty to criminal contempt for violating an order of protection. Miller admitted to being in the presence of a person he was ordered to stay away from. As a result of his conviction, the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department filed a motion with the court seeking an order that Miller’s crime be deemed serious under the law.

In its ruling, the New York Court agreed that Miller’s conviction constituted a serious crime. While Miller did not contest this designation, he argued against an interim suspension while disciplinary proceedings were pending. Miller said he has taken responsibility for his actions, fulfilled the requirements of his sentence, and has not practiced law in some time.

However, the court found that an interim suspension would be consistent with upholding the integrity of the legal profession and protecting the public. Considering Miller intentionally violated a court order, he posed a risk, and suspension is justified.

The Disposition states:

“Wherefore, it is Ordered that the motion by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department to deem the offense of which respondent Stefan M. Miller, admitted as Stefan Michael Miller, has been found guilty to be a “serious crime” within the meaning of Judiciary Law and 22 NYCRR is granted, and respondent Stefan M. Miller, admitted as Stefan Michael Miller, is suspended from the practice of law effective immediately until such time as pending disciplinary matters have been concluded and until further order of this Court.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Miller attended the New York University School of Law. He acquired his law license in New York in 2009.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.