Opinion
No. 880021.
January 22, 1988.
A Petition was filed in the Supreme Court by Gene M. Haugen, a member of the Bar of the State of North Dakota, in which he requests to be voluntarily placed on disability inactive status under Rule 17 of the Rules of Disciplinary Procedure of the State of North Dakota on the grounds that he is incapacitated from continuing the practice of law by reason of addiction to controlled substances or intoxicants.
In support of the petition Mr. Haugen stated that during the calendar year 1987 he received in-house treatment on four different occasions; that because of his addiction to controlled substances and alcohol he is not able to adequately represent clients and is unable to keep abreast of the law; that he believes only through an extended in-patient program will petitioner receive the assistance that he needs in order to function without the use of controlled substances or alcohol.
Verification of the Petition was communicated to the Chief Justice and the Clerk of the Supreme Court by a qualified medical expert and a county judge.
The Supreme Court considered this matter.
ORDERED, that Gene M. Haugen be transferred to disability inactive status until a determination is made of his capacity to continue to practice law in a proceeding instituted in accordance with subdivision (b) of Rule 17 and Rule 18 and other applicable rules of the North Dakota Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that the Honorable Wallace D. Berning proceed in accordance with Rule 17(d), NDRDP, to take whatever action is deemed necessary to protect the interests of Mr. Haugen and his clients.