From KELOland news, a decision has finally been handed down in the matter of the law license for former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg:
The justices in their decision on Thursday found that Ravnsborg violated Rule 8.4(c) which prohibits a lawyer from “engag[ing] in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation[.]”
Chief Justice Steven Jensen wrote that Ravnsborg wasn’t truthful with investigators about the use of his phones prior to the crash.
“Ravnsborg’s responses demonstrated a concerted effort to avoid criminal liability, through dishonesty and misrepresentations, which violated Rule 8.4(c),” Chief Justice Jensen stated. “Finally, Ravnsborg’s patent dishonesty concerning the use of his phone, as well as the developed forensic evidence, raise genuine questions about the integrity of his statements regarding the night of the accident. This conduct, particularly considering Ravnsborg’s prominent position as attorney general, reflected adversely on the legal profession as a whole and impeded the administration of justice.”
The justices also found that Ravnsborg’s conduct as attorney general violated two other rules governing attorneys.
And you can read the full decision here:
Ravnsborg Disciplinary Decision by Pat Powers on Scribd
Oh boy he must be devastated. This entire thing has been a disgrace and a joke and it ends that way too.
This SD Supreme Court hearing was held to determine what discipline should be imposed on former Attorney General Ravnsborg “to preserve the Integrity of the profession.” This case arose out of the conduct of AG Ravnsborg that led to the death of Joe Boever. In the investigation following Mr. Boever’s death, The Court found that Ravnsborg made serious Misrepresentations and was “patently dishonest.” Despite all these circumstances, and despite the Court’s authority to Disbar and Suspend up to 3 years, the Court saw fit to slap Mr. Ravnsborg on the wrist and impose only a 6 month suspension. Such a ruling does NOT “preserve the Integrity of the profession”, it renders it a laughingstock. My heart goes out to the Boever family for having to witness such a legal charade.
If the several news reports that I’ve read are accurate I am appalled that Mr Ravensborg does not have a more severe punishment. This does nothing to secure my trust in the justice system in SD. Big fail..