PLEAS OF NOLO CONTENDERE AND ADMISSIONS

Any time after the filing of the Formal Complaint, either the Complaint Tribunal or the Court may in its discretion, accept pleas of nolo contendere and admissions. Upon acceptance, the proceedings may terminate, but nothing contained herein shall prevent the further receipt of evidence for purposes of determining the final disposition to be made under Rule 8 of these rules. Procedure (10.1) Submission and Effect. The entity to which pleas, admissions or irrevocable resignations are submitted shall direct what proceedings, if any, shall be had thereafter. If the Complaint Tribunal enters an opinion and judgment based upon a plea of nolo contendere or admission, the sole question to be presented by any appeal shall be the extent or absence of discipline. (10.2) Pleas of Nolo Contendere. Such pleas need not address the factual matters alleged in the Formal Complaint. If accepted, a plea of nolo contendere shall be considered tantamount to proof of guilt on the matters charged for purposes of determining the discipline to be imposed or the disposition to be made. (10.3) Admissions. Admissions shall fully address the factual matters alleged in the Formal Complaint, shall set out that the attorney could not defend himself on the matters admitted, and that the attorney submits to discipline on the matters admitted. (10.4) Acceptance. Acceptance of a nolo contendere plea or an admission shall be discretionary. Such discretion shall include the right to accept a nolo contendere plea of the Formal Complaint and admission to the remainder. (10.5) The purpose of Rules 10.1 through 10.4 of these rules is to provide a prompt, speedy, knowledgeable, and just disposition of any disciplinary matter. 25