Matter of Ament

In this case we must decide whether, in the context of compulsory discipline, the Board of Disciplinary Appeals may suspend an attorney for a period of time which exceeds the probationary period received by that attorney in a criminal proceeding. Because we find that the Board of Disciplinary Appeals has exceeded the power delegated to it under the Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, we modify the suspension of the Board of Disciplinary Appeals.

In May 1988, John S. Ament executed a promissory note payable to the Texas National Bank of Jacksonville. Ament received a cashier’s check from the Bank…