On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected attorney Douglas M. Marinos’ request for reinstatement.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Douglas M. Marinos,” with case no. 42. DB 2018.
Attorney Marinos was suspended for four years in 2018. This action arose from his plea of guilty to a felony count of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes, a violation of 26 United States Code § 7202, on January 18, 2018. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment on June 22, 2018.
Attorney Marinos sought reinstatement, but this request was subsequently denied by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The reinstatement process mandated that an attorney must exhibit moral integrity, professional competence, and a high level of legal proficiency. The primary objective was to ensure that reinstatement would not compromise the integrity of the legal profession or hinder the administration of justice.
However, the comprehensive review conducted by the Committee raised substantial concerns. It was determined that Marinos fell short of demonstrating his legal competence, primarily due to significant misrepresentations and omissions found in his Reinstatement Questionnaire. These discrepancies raised questions about his candor and honesty, traits of utmost importance for any practicing attorney.
The report and recommendation states:
“The Committee specifically found that Petitioner exhibited a palpable lack of civility and professionalism throughout the proceedings. The Committee noted the unprofessional manner by which Petitioner handled himself and treated both ODC and particularly ODC’s witness and auditor Susan Roehre throughout the process. The committee described Petitioner’s behavior, attitude, and demeanor as rude and at times intemperate and combative.”
Furthermore, Marinos’s lack of genuine remorse and instances of incivility and unprofessional behavior throughout the process were deemed indicative of a potential lack of moral qualifications for legal practice. This raised further doubts about his readiness to re-enter the profession.
In its decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court opted to reject Marinos’ request for reinstatement. This decision was made in light of the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Disposition states:
“AND NOW, this 22nd day of August 2023, the Petition for Review and the Petition for Reinstatement are denied. The petitioner is ordered to pay the expenses incurred by the Board in the investigation and processing of the Petition for Reinstatement. See Pa.R.D.E. 218(0.”
According to Avvo, Mr. Marinos was a bankruptcy and debt attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He acquired his law license in Pennsylvania in 1988.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
