IN THE MATTER OF
MICHAEL ALAN CEBALLOS, III VSB Docket No. 01-000-3285
The respondent, Michael Alan Ceballos, III, did not appear. He was represented
by Charles G. Meyer, III, Esquire, his guardian ad litem appointed by
the Board on July 13, 2001. Barbara Ann Williams, Bar Counsel represented the
Virginia State Bar.
The court reporter for the proceeding Tracy Stroh, of Chandler & Halaz, Inc.,
P.O. Box 9340, Richmond, Virginia 23227, telephone (804) 730-1222, was duly
sworn by Mr. Moffet. Each member of the hearing panel stated on the record that
he had no business or financial interest, and no personal bias that would impair
his ability to hear the matter fairly and impartially.
The board admitted Joint Exhibits 1- 16 without objection and heard the argument
presented by counsel. Based upon clear and convincing evidence, the board finds
that the respondent is disabled, as that term is defined in Part Six, Section
IV, Paragraph 13 of the Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court, and ORDERS that
the respondent shall be suspended effective July 27, 2001, from the practice
of law in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Paragraph 13.F. of the Rules
of the Virginia Supreme Court, until such time as he petitions the board to
terminate the disability and proves by clear and convincing evidence that he
is no longer disabled.
It is further ORDERED that the show cause proceeding initiated pursuant
to an order issued by the Supreme Court of Florida on January 31, 2001, indefinitely
suspending the respondent from the practice of law in the state of Florida,
is hereby dismissed without prejudice.
It is further ORDERED that, pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 13.(K)(1)
of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, respondent shall forthwith give
notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of this suspension of his
license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia to all clients in Virginia
for whom he is currently handling matters and to all clients for whom he is
currently handling matters in Virginia, if he has any such clients, and to all
opposing attorneys and presiding judges in litigation pending in Virginia. Respondent
shall also make appropriate arrangements for the disposition of client matters
in his care, in conformity with his clients' wishes. Respondent shall give such
notice of his suspension to clients within 14 days of the effective date of
this suspension order, and make such arrangements as are required for the disposition
of client matters within 45 days of the effective date of this suspension order.
Respondent shall furnish proof to the Virginia State Bar within 60 days of the
effective date of this suspension order that such notices have been timely given
and appropriate arrangements made for the disposition of all client matters.
The board shall determine issues concerning the adequacy of the notice and the
propriety of arrangement made for the disposition of client matters. The board
may impose a sanction of revocation or suspension for failure to comply with
the requirements of this subparagraph.
It is further ORDERED that the guardian ad litem is awarded a
fee in the amount of $600.00 for his services on behalf of the respondent in
this proceeding.
It is further ORDERED that the Clerk of the Disciplinary System shall
send an attested true copy of this Order to the respondent, Michael Alan Ceballos,
III, Esquire, by certified mail, return receipt requested at his last address
of record with the Virginia State Bar, 200 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville,
Florida 32202, by first-class mail to respondent's guardian ad litem Charles
G. Meyer, III, Esquire, LeClair Ryan, 11th Floor, 707 East Main Street, Richmond,
Virginia 23219, and by hand delivery to Barbara Ann Williams, Bar Counsel, Virginia
State Bar, 707 East Main Street, Suite 1500, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
ENTER: / /
VIRGINIA STATE BAR DISCIPLINARY BOARD
By _______________________________________
William M. Moffet, Chair