
Supreme Court of Missouri
en banc
11 April 2016
Supreme Court Case No. SC95490
In
re: Dennis J. Campbell Owens, MBE No. 25981
ORDER
The Chief Disciplinary Counsel filed an information and motion for interim suspension pursuant to Rule 5.24 advising the Court that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate probable cause that Respondent, Dennis J. Campbell Owens, is guilty of multiple instances of professional misconduct in violation of Supreme Court Rule 4.
The Court then being fully advised of and concerning the premises adjudged that probable cause existed that Respondent was guilty of multiple instances of professional misconduct and that Respondent posed a substantial threat of irreparable harm to the public and to the integrity of the profession.
The Court, therefore, on February 1, 2016, ordered that Respondent be immediately suspended from the practice of law pursuant to Rule 5.24 pending final disposition of the disciplinary proceeding predicated upon the conduct specified in the information. In filings subsequent to the Court’s February 1, 2016, order of interim suspension, both Respondent and Informant concede that Respondent, due to his physical or mental condition, is incapacitated or disabled sufficient to warrant interim suspension also pursuant to Rule 5.23(b); therefore, Respondent is additionally suspended by this Court on an interim basis pursuant to Rule 5.23(b).
The Court further directs that the disciplinary proceedings currently instituted shall continue notwithstanding the interim suspensions entered by this Court.
Respondent’s motion to dissolve the order of interim suspension is overruled.
It is further ordered that Respondent, Dennis J. Campbell Owens, comply in all respects with Rule 5.27 – Procedure Following a Disbarment or Suspension Order.
Costs taxed to Respondent.
The Court then being fully advised of and concerning the premises adjudged that probable cause existed that Respondent was guilty of multiple instances of professional misconduct and that Respondent posed a substantial threat of irreparable harm to the public and to the integrity of the profession.
The Court, therefore, on February 1, 2016, ordered that Respondent be immediately suspended from the practice of law pursuant to Rule 5.24 pending final disposition of the disciplinary proceeding predicated upon the conduct specified in the information. In filings subsequent to the Court’s February 1, 2016, order of interim suspension, both Respondent and Informant concede that Respondent, due to his physical or mental condition, is incapacitated or disabled sufficient to warrant interim suspension also pursuant to Rule 5.23(b); therefore, Respondent is additionally suspended by this Court on an interim basis pursuant to Rule 5.23(b).
The Court further directs that the disciplinary proceedings currently instituted shall continue notwithstanding the interim suspensions entered by this Court.
Respondent’s motion to dissolve the order of interim suspension is overruled.
It is further ordered that Respondent, Dennis J. Campbell Owens, comply in all respects with Rule 5.27 – Procedure Following a Disbarment or Suspension Order.
Costs taxed to Respondent.
Day - to - Day
___________________________
Patricia Breckenridge
Chief Justice
Note: To view any specific rule provisions cited in this order, please visit the pages for Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 4 and Rule 5. Please be aware the versions of the rules available online are those currently in effect and may have changed since this order issued.