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Help for Addicted Attorneys Open Article in Another Window
January 2002
How and where substance- abusing or emotionally distressed attorneys can get help.
Special Credit -- Detection or Prevention of Substance Abuse
1. A lawyer who is not subject to attorney disciplinary proceedings may enroll confidentially in the diversion program.  True  False
2. A lawyer who is currently under investigation by the State Bar and who voluntarily enters diversion must comply with terms and conditions of practice.  True  False
3. The Legislature can require that disciplinary charges be dismissed against a lawyer who has successfully completed diversion.  True  False
4. A defendant who is convicted of both a drug offense and an unrelated misdemeanor may nevertheless be eligible for DEJ.  True  False
5. Laywers who suffer from mental illness unrelated to drug or alcohol abuse are ineligible for the Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program.  True  False
6. A lawyer can only enter the attorney diversion program by referral by the State Bar Court or by the State Bar's Office of Chief Trial Counsel.  True  False
7. A defendant must plead guilty to be eligible for DEJ.  True  False
8. A defendant must plead guilty to be eligible for Prop. 36 diversion.  True  False
9. A defendant who is convicted of both a drug offense and an unrelated misdemeanor may nevertheless be eligible for Prop.36 diversion.  True  False
10. Even after a defendant successfully completes a drug treatment program under Prop. 36 or DEJ, the defendant's conviction is not expunged.  True  False
11. A defendant who has been convicted of any minor prior drug offense is ineligible for diversion under DEJ.  True  False
12. A defendant who has been convicted of any minor prior drug offense is ineligible for diversion under Prop. 36.  True  False
13. The State Bar can impose discipline even when a lawyer is found not guilty of criminal charges arising out of the same conduct.  True  False
14. Alcoholism and drug abuse among lawyers is de minimis.  True  False
15. A defendant who sells drugs to support his or her drug addiction can receive treatment instead of punishment under either Prop. 36 or deferred entry of judgment (DEJ).  True  False
16. There is no disciplinary diversion system for lawyers who are being investigated by the State Bar.  True  False
17. The Attorney Diversion and Assistance Program is initially supported by a $10 assessment added to State Bar members' dues.  True  False
18. A lawyer participating in the attorney diversion program must pay for his or her individual counseling to the extent of financial ability.  True  False
19. A lawyer who successfully completes the diversion program is eligible for reinstatement to practice and dismissal of the underlying disciplinary allegations.  True  False
20. q  True  False