in the Matter of Robert Jutzi Howell

302 Ga. 871

• Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
• Decided: January 29, 2018
• Docket: S18Y0142
• Status: Published

Opinion

302 Ga. 871 FINAL COPY

S18Y0142. IN THE MATTER OF ROBERT JUTZI HOWELL.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the Report and

Recommendation of special master H. Maddox Kilgore, who recommends that

the Court accept the petition for voluntary surrender of license filed by Robert

Jutzi Howell (State Bar No. 561931). In his petition, Howell, who has been a

member of the State Bar of Georgia since 2010, admitted that in June 2016, he

pled guilty in South Carolina to one felony count of pointing/presenting a

firearm, in violation of SC Code § 16-23-410; one misdemeanor count of

unlawful carrying of a pistol, in violation of SC Code § 16-23-20; and one

misdemeanor count of possession of cocaine, in violation of SC Code §

44-53-370 (d) (3). Howell admitted that, by virtue of his felony conviction, he

violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. See Bar

Rule 4-102. Thus, he requested acceptance of the voluntary surrender of his

license to practice law, which he acknowledged was tantamount to disbarment. The special master states that the State Bar supports Howell’s petition and

concludes that a felony conviction generally warrants disbarment. Therefore,

the special master recommends disbarment. Nevertheless, recognizing that

surrender of a license to practice law is tantamount to disbarment, the special

master also recommends acceptance of Howell’s petition for voluntary

surrender of license.

We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Howell’s petition for the

voluntary surrender of his license. Accordingly, the name of Robert Jutzi

Howell hereby is removed from the rolls of persons entitled to practice law in

the State of Georgia. Howell is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219 (c).

Voluntary surrender of license accepted. All the Justices concur.

2 Decided January 29, 2018.

Voluntary surrender of license.

Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, Wolanda R. Shelton,

Assistant General Counsel State Bar, for State Bar of Georgia.