21
Apr 2020
Drink Driving Conviction Leads to Further Fine by Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
A local solicitor, who at the time he was caught drink driving was working at Christchurch and East Dorset District Council, has been disciplined by The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal following a driving ban in 2018 for 40 months after pleading guilty to drink driving.
This followed a conviction in 2016, which resulted in the lawyer being banned from driving for 20 months.
James Wilson Oram was twice over the legal limit and admitted the offence to the disciplinary tribunal as well as admitting that he had not adhered to the standards expected of his profession.
He had been out for celebratory drinks with colleagues and had not intended to drive but took his car after being notified of a family health emergency.
Mr Oram was fined £2,000 and he must also pay £2,500 costs.
This case is a reminder, not just to solicitors but also all those who are regulated by a professional standards body, that conduct outside of work can lead to possible sanctions.
At Chadwick Lawrence we have for many years acted for clients who are facing investigations or hearings by their regulator as a result of conduct both inside and outside of work, including those involved in healthcare and teaching. We also acted in the high profile case brought by UK Anti-Doping against the international sportsman Zak Hardaker.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of facing an investigation or disciplinary hearing by a professional body please contact either Nils O’Donoghue or Nicholas Worsnop on nilso@chadlaw.co.uk or nicholasworsnop@chadlaw.co.uk for an initial case assessment.
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