On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review Board of Immigration Appeals filed an opinion indefinitely suspending attorney Michael Alan Jimenez from the practice of law.
The case is entitled “In the matter of Michael Alan Jimenez ” and was brought by Disciplinary Counsel for the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Disciplinary Counsel for DHS with case no. D2022-0068.
The Petition for Immediate suspension was filed through a Joint Petition against the respondent for allegedly endangering the welfare of children.
The filing states:
“In the answer, the respondent admits the essential facts contained in the allegations of the Notice of Intent to Discipline and does not contest the disciplinary charge. The respondent, however, notes that his conviction did not touch on the practice of law and was substantially influenced by childhood trauma (Respondent’s Answer at 1). The respondent also points out that he was not required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction and that two doctors and the Superior Court of New Jersey (the sentencing court in his criminal case) have concluded that he is not at risk to re-offend (Respondent’s Answer at 2).”
The filing continues:
“On July 26, 2022, the respondent submitted a response to the Disciplinary Counsels’ motion for summary adjudication. The respondent argues that his case is distinguishable from the cases the Disciplinary Counsels have cited in support of their claim that disbarment is the appropriate sanction. The respondent also reiterates his claim that the purpose of disciplinary proceedings is to protect the public and not to punish the attorney, and he asserts that imposing disbarment, in this case, would serve only to punish (Respondent’s Response) (unpaginated). Finally, the respondent asserts that there is no logical basis for prohibiting the Board from finding that a grave injustice would occur if discipline were imposed in this matter, and the respondent maintains that, given the Serious nature of the proposed sanction of disbarment, the Board must undertake all efforts to consider the matter, including holding a hearing.”
Considering that the respondent has not contested the allegations in the Notice of Intent to Discipline and has been convicted of knowingly possessing, knowingly viewing, or knowingly having under his control, through any means, including the Internet, less than 1,000 items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child. The Court recognized the seriousness of offenses involving child pornography and the importance of the state’s interest in protecting victims of these crimes. Thus, the Board decided that the respondent is suspended from the practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and DHS.
The Disposition states:
“The Board hereby suspends the respondent from practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the DHS for 1 year, effective upon issuance of this order”
As of today, Mr. Jimenez is listed on the law firm of Ryglicki, Jimenez & Gillman, P.C. as a practicing attorney. He attended the Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, graduating in 1999. He practices in North Bergen, New Jersey. He is licensed in New Jersey. His info can be found on Linkedin.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
