Background
On August 24, 2026, the director of Ohio’s Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of a judgment entry showing that attorney Richard Allen Scheich had been convicted of a felony. Scheich was licensed to practice law in Ohio under Attorney Registration No. 0006237.
The filing was made under Gov.Bar R. V(18), which governs disciplinary action following an attorney’s felony conviction. The court’s order does not identify the felony offense or describe the underlying conduct.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Ohio unanimously ordered Scheich suspended from practicing law on an interim basis, effective immediately, under Gov.Bar R. V(18)(A)(4). It referred the matter to the Toledo Bar Association for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.
The court barred Scheich from appearing for, advising, or performing legal services for others and restricted any work he might perform for an attorney or law firm. It also imposed continuing-education, client-notification, property-return, fee-refund, trust-accounting, and filing obligations. Scheich may not return to practice unless he satisfies the applicable reinstatement requirements and the court affirmatively orders his reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- A certified felony-conviction entry triggered Scheich’s immediate interim suspension under Ohio’s attorney-discipline rules.
- The order is interim rather than a final disciplinary disposition; the Toledo Bar Association must investigate and commence disciplinary proceedings.
- Scheich must protect existing clients’ interests by providing notice, returning client property, refunding unearned amounts, accounting for entrusted funds or property, and documenting his compliance.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates the immediate professional consequences that can follow an Ohio attorney’s felony conviction. The court removed Scheich from practice before completion of the resulting disciplinary proceedings while requiring steps designed to protect clients and the public.
The suspension has no automatic end date. Even after meeting the rules governing reinstatement, Scheich cannot resume practicing unless the Supreme Court of Ohio expressly authorizes his return.