In the Matter of Susan Janette Lopez

891 S.E.2d 775, 316 Ga. 894

• Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
• Decided: August 16, 2023
• Docket: S23Y1047
• Status: Published

Opinion

316 Ga. 894 FINAL COPY

S23Y1047. IN THE MATTER OF SUSAN JANETTE LOPEZ.

PER CURIAM.

This disciplinary matter is before the Court on a petition for

voluntary discipline filed by Susan Janette Lopez (State Bar No.

917332) prior to the issuance of a formal complaint under Georgia

Bar Rule 4-227 (b). In her petition, Lopez, who has been a member

of the Georgia Bar since 2014, admits that, on May 9, 2023, she

entered a guilty plea in the Superior Court of Cobb County to one

count of aggravated stalking, a felony, see OCGA § 16-5-91. By this

conduct, Lopez acknowledges that she violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2) of the

Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d).

The maximum penalty for a violation of Rule 8.4 (a) (2) is

disbarment. Lopez seeks to voluntarily surrender her license to

practice law, which she acknowledges is tantamount to disbarment.

See Rule 1.0 (s). In its response, the Bar recommends that this

Court accept Lopez’s petition. We have reviewed the record and agree to accept Lopez’s

petition for voluntary discipline. See In the Matter of Williams, 291

Ga. 659 (732 SE2d 85) (2012) (accepting voluntary surrender of

license where attorney violated Rule 8.4 (a) (2)); In the Matter of

Campbell, 282 Ga. 688 (653 SE2d 51) (2007) (same). Accordingly, it

is ordered that the name of Susan Janette Lopez be removed from

the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of

Georgia. Lopez is reminded of her duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-

219 (b).

Voluntary surrender of license accepted. All the Justices concur.

Decided August 16, 2023.

Voluntary surrender of license.

Paula J. Frederick, General Counsel State Bar, William D.

NeSmith III, Deputy General Counsel State Bar, Jenny K.

Mittelman, Andreea N. Morrison, Assistant General Counsel State

Bar, for State Bar of Georgia.