People v Pubrat

In this case we are called upon to determine the validity of a nolo contendere plea and the resulting sentencing that were conducted while the defendant’s attorney was suspended from the practice of law. We conclude that collateral attacks on criminal convictions may not be based solely on the fact that the defendant’s attorney continued to represent the defendant after being suspended from the practice of law. Although we recognize that attorneys who continue to practice law in violation of a suspension are engaging in reprehensible conduct, we believe that that conduct is best addressed in…