Phoenix attorney Nathaniel J. Carr of was suspended for four years after violating several Rules of Professional Conduct while representing criminal defendants.
Carr, while under contract at the Arizona Department of Public Defense Services, added notes with confidential client information to his billing statements. As a contractor, his billing statements are open to the public and subject to exposure. Adding to the confidentiality mishaps, Carr billed for work that was not performed, as well as services specifically excluded by his contract including scanning documents and non-substantive motions.
As first chair in a death penalty case, Carr failed to supervise the mitigation expert to assure work for the mitigation phase of the trial was performed. Oversight during the mitigation process led to petitions for post-conviction being granted and his clients being returned for resentencing.
Carr also continued to practice law after being summarily suspended after failing to submit proof of his mandatory continuing legal education.
Nathaniel J. Carr’s four-year suspension will be effective on Jan. 1, 2017. He was ordered to pay $1,532.28 to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expense incurred during proceedings.