Ohio Board of Professional Conduct recommends public reprimand for Cleveland lawyer for misrepresentation

On Friday, August 4, 2023, the Board of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Ohio passed a recommendation of public reprimand for Attorney Lon’ Cherie’ Darchelle Billingsley accused of misrepresentation.

The case is titled ‘In re: Complaint against Lon’ Cherie’ Darchelle Billingsley with case no. 2022-051.

The case was filed by the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel alleging violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(c), which provide regulations against conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

The Ohio Professional Conduct Rules can be viewed here.

This case pertains to the notarization of an affidavit by Attorney Billingsley under the jurat that reads, “Sworn to and subscribed in my presence.” Ms. Billingsley admitted to having notarized an affidavit under the instructions of her supervising attorney without having personally witnessed the affiant sign the document.

In arriving at the recommendation, all relevant factors came into play. Mitigating the case were Attorney Billingsley’s clean record pertaining to previous disciplinary records;  her full cooperation and disclosure to the Board; the absence of a selfish motive, and her good character as evidenced by letters from her colleagues mitigated the penalty.  Adversely, however, the panel believed that while Ms. Billingsley conceded to her wrongdoing, she justified her actions and reasoned that it wasn’t willful and charged her action to some factors surrounding the incident.

Resting on those factors, the panel recommends that Attorney Lo’ Cherie’ Darchelle Billingsley receive a public reprimand and pay the costs of the proceedings.

The recommendation reads:

“Pursuant to Gov. R.V., Section 12, the Board of Professional Conduct considered this matter on August 4, 2023. The Board voted to adopt findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the hearing panel and recommends that the Respondent, Lon’ Cherie’ Darchelle Billingsley, be publicly reprimanded and ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings.”

Attorney Billingsley obtained her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. More of Ms. Billingsley’s bio can be found here.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.