Petty theft conviction leads to Reno lawyer’s suspension
CARSON CITY - A Reno lawyer has been temporarily suspended from the practice of law in Nevada for stealing a candy bar and cough drops from a Walmart.
Lawyer Zachary Coughlin was suspended by the Supreme Court in an order dated Thursday. Justices also referred the matter to the Northern Nevada Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of Nevada, which will determine what penalty Coughlin ultimately receives.
In the decision, justices noted that under the court's rules an attorney must be suspended if he or she has been convicted of a "serious" crime, which includes theft.
According to the decision, Coughlin shoplifted the candy and cough drops Sept. 9. He was found guilty Nov. 30 in Reno Municipal Court, following a trial, of petty larceny or theft, and fined $400.
Coughlin then appealed his conviction, but it was upheld March 15 in Washoe County District Court.
Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900.
