State of Oklahoma, et rel. OBA v. Isaac Seth Brantley Shields

Rogers County, Oklahoma professional responsibility lawyer represented the Defendant accused of violating title 21, section 588 of the Oklahoma Statutes and committed (1) a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's trustworthiness, (2) conduct involving deceit or misrepresentation, (3) conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and (4) actions contrary to prescribed standards of conduct for a lawyer which brought discredit upon the legal profession.



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"It is common knowledge that observing jury deliberations is unacceptable. The respondent's actions were widely reported in the media, bringing discredit and shame upon the legal profession. As a result, there is sure to be a chilling effect on potential jurors who have heard of this matter. An assistant district attorney is a minister of justice, second only to a judge. Scanland, 1970 OK 94, ¶ 15, 475 P.2d, at 376; see also ORPC 3.8, Comment 1. But instead of behaving accordingly, the Respondent's actions "take us into the dark, unseen, ugly, shocking nightmare vision of a prosecutor who loves victory more than he loves justice." Miller, 2013 OK 49, 309 P.3d, at 121 (Taylor, J., dissenting). The respondent's behavior is precisely the type that undermines public trust in the legal system and profession. The privacy of jury deliberations is sacrosanct. The importance of preserving the sanctity of jury proceedings is monumental. As such, the discipline imposed must reflect to the public how seriously we treat this misconduct. We find that suspension for six months is the appropriate discipline."

Upon de novo review, we find clear and convincing evidence of Respondent's professional misconduct. Respondent is suspended for six months. Respondent is ordered to comply with RGDP 9 and to pay costs in the amount of $6,104.91.



RESPONDENT IS SUSPENDED FOR SIX MONTHS; AMENDED APPLICATION TO ASSESS COSTS GRANTED.