The Supreme Court of Ohio has permanently disbarred attorney Amber R. Goodman following her conviction for repeated sexual abuse of a minor. Goodman’s felony conviction resulted in a 30-month prison sentence, and the Court deemed the disbarment necessary due to the severity of the offense.
Ohio Attorney Permanently Disbarred for Repeated Sexual Abuse of a Minor
The Supreme Court of Ohio has permanently disbarred attorney Amber R. Goodman following her conviction for repeated sexual abuse of a minor. Goodman’s felony conviction resulted in a 30-month prison sentence, and the Court deemed the disbarment necessary due to the severity of the offense.
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Severe Consequences for Attorneys Committing Sexual Offenses
The Supreme Court’s decision to permanently disbar Amber R. Goodman sends a clear message that attorneys who commit sexual offenses, especially against minors, will face severe consequences. This case highlights the need for reforms in the plea bargaining system to ensure that charges accurately reflect the crimes committed, providing appropriate accountability and allowing for proper disciplinary actions.
The Court’s Rationale for Permanently Disbarring Goodman
Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, writing for the Court, stated that the underlying behavior of Amber R. Goodman was “tantamount to rape.” The Court cited previous precedents of disbarring attorneys for rape and other forcible sex offenses, deeming it an appropriate sanction in this case. Justices Patrick F. Fischer, R. Patrick DeWine, and Joseph T. Deters joined the Chief Justice’s opinion, while Justice Melody Stewart concurred in judgment only. Justice Jennifer Brunner did not participate in the case.
In a concurring opinion, Justice Michael P. Donnelly expressed concern over the plea bargain process. He argued that if the criminal justice system had properly held Goodman accountable for her actions, the Board of Professional Conduct could have recommended a more suitable sanction. Justice Donnelly called for a statewide court rule change that would require plea bargains to maintain a factual basis aligned with the accused’s actual conduct.
The Case Details and Goodman’s Conviction
The case began in 2019 when the victim, referred to as “L.H.”, confided in a school counselor about the sexual abuse perpetrated by her father. L.H. also disclosed that Amber R. Goodman had molested her. The investigation revealed that the abuse had started when L.H. was only nine years old. Goodman pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, a third-degree felony. She was subsequently sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by community control and registration as a Tier II sex offender.
During her disciplinary hearing, Goodman admitted to the misconduct that led to her conviction. She claimed to have been a victim of neglect and abuse in the past, which made her susceptible to manipulation by L.H.’s father. Goodman acknowledged engaging in sexual conduct with L.H. but could not recall the exact number of times. She asserted that she had urged her boyfriend to cease the abuse and even told L.H. to speak up if she did not want it to happen. However, Goodman stipulated that she knew a 13-year-old could not legally consent to sexual activity and instructed the victim to keep it a secret to protect her professional reputation.
Goodman’s Lack of Honesty, Trustworthiness, and Fitness to Practice Law
The Supreme Court found Amber R. Goodman’s actions to be illegal and reflective of a lack of honesty, trustworthiness, and fitness to practice law. Chief Justice Kennedy highlighted that Goodman could not have reasonably believed her sexual conduct with a 13-year-old child was anything but forced upon the child. Moreover, Goodman’s failure to report the abuse to the authorities and her attempt to silence the victim demonstrated a severe disregard for the well-being of the minor.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to permanently disbar Amber R. Goodman for repeated sexual abuse of a minor sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated within the legal profession. The Court’s rationale for the disbarment highlights the severity of the offense and the need for accountability. This case also raises important questions about the plea bargaining process and the accuracy of charges in reflecting the actual conduct of the accused. It underscores the importance of reforms to ensure appropriate consequences and protection for victims.
