On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of California disbarred attorney Ronald L. Miller following a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Ronald L. Miller,” and was brought by the State Bar of California with case no. S279814.
In a transmittal of records of conviction dated June 30, 2022, it was stated that the State Bar Court of California received a certified record of conviction for attorney Ronald L. Miller. The conviction, dated August 9, 2016, was for a misdemeanor violation of Vehicle Code section 23152, driving under the influence of alcohol, with admitted enhancement allegations. The enhancements include a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or more and a prior conviction for driving under the influence.
In a petition for disbarment, following a default due to failure to respond promptly, the State Bar had petitioned the State Bar Court for an order suggesting Miller’s disbarment after default in accordance with rule 5.85 and rule 5.346 of the Rules of Procedure of the State Bar of California. This request was grounded in Miller’s inability to submit a timely response to the notice of hearing.
The petition states:
“Respondent did not file a written response to the motion for entry of default within 10 days of service of the motion. On October 7, 2022, the Court issued an order entering respondent’s default. This order included the language regarding the effects of default in prominent type required by rule 5.80(D).1 The Court served the order on the respondent by mail in compliance with rule 5.25. The order entering default advised the respondent of the effects of the entry of default, specifically, deeming the statement of facts and circumstances surrounding the conviction in the motion for default admitted, prohibiting participation unless the default is set aside, and if there is no timely motion to set aside, recommending disbarment without further hearing or proceeding.”
The petition continues:
“Having satisfied all the required elements for disbarment recommendation after default required by rule 5.85, Rules of Procedure, the Court must recommend respondent’s disbarment.”
After reviewing the petition, the Supreme Court of California took decisive action and decided to disbar attorney Ronald L. Miller, effectively preventing him from practicing law in the state.
The Disposition states:
“The court orders that Ronald L. Miller (Respondent), State Bar Number 111817, is disbarred from the practice of law in California and that Respondent’s name is stricken from the roll of attorneys. The respondent must comply with California Rules of Court, rule 9.20, and perform the acts specified in subdivisions (a) and (c) of that rule within 30 and 40 calendar days, respectively, after the date this order is filed. (Athearn v. State Bar (1982) 32 Cal.3d 38, 45 [the operative date for identification of clients being represented in pending matters and others to be notified is the filing date of this order].).”
Before Mr. Miller’s disbarment, he practiced in Santa Rosa, California, and held a valid license in the state. His info can be found on martindale.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
