People v. Lou Mehlig. 14PDJ071. August 29, 2014. The Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved the parties’ conditional admission of misconduct and suspended Lou Mehlig (Attorney Registration Number 13618) for thirty days, with the requirement that Mehlig petition for reinstatement under C.R.C.P. 251.29(c). As part of any reinstatement hearing, Mehlig will bear the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that he is able to fulfill his professional responsibilities competently, a showing that must include a doctor’s findings concerning Mehlig’s competencies based on an independent medical examination. Mehlig will also be required to prove that he has been rehabilitated, has complied with disciplinary orders and rules, and is fit to practice law. Mehlig’s suspension took effect August 29, 2014.
In 1991, Mehlig was convicted of one count of driving while impaired by alcohol. In 1996, Mehlig was convicted of one count of driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.10 or more. Mehlig believes he failed to report both of these convictions to the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.
On November 17, 2013, Mehlig drove home after consuming alcohol. According to Mehlig, as he made a left-hand turn an oncoming car failed to stop at the intersection, and he swung his car wide and drove up onto the curb, stopping against a light pole. Mehlig refused to respond to law enforcement questions and instructions, perform roadside maneuvers, or submit to breath or blood alcohol tests. Later, after changing his mind, a preliminary breath test registered Mehlig’s breath alcohol content at 0.203. Mehlig pleaded guilty to one count of driving while ability impaired and was sentenced to one year in jail, all but ninety days suspended pending compliance with two years’ probation. He was also ordered to attend alcohol education sessions and therapy, undergo drug testing, and perform community service. Through this misconduct, Mehlig violated Colo. RPC 8.4(b) (a lawyer shall not commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects).