What is astonishing about this video is that Caramagno’s client is not some traffic violator but accused of kidnapping. There has now been a mistrial declared over Caramagno’s conduct. This appears to have been taken two years ago, but just getting wide distribution.
In the video, Caramagno claims a concussion in a slurred, rambling speech but District Judge Michele Leavitt doesn’t buy it: “I don’t think you have a concussion. I think you are dazed and confused and can’t tell a straight story because you are too intoxicated.”
There could be an interesting issue in this case of the intoxication test taken by the lawyer. A test showed that Caramagno had a blood-alcohol content of .075, just below the Nevada legal driving limit of .08 but the test was taken close to an hour and a half after he arrived at court. However, this video should be more than enough for any disciplinary action.
The best case for such misconduct is a claim of alcohol-dependency and entering a recovery program. It may be true since this is really extraordinary misconduct. A lawyer can retain his license if there is a valid claim of dependency and treatment. Notably, defendant Dale Jakuchunas said that he long suspected that Caramagno had a substance abuse problem. Caramagno, who denies being drunk, was ordered into rehab.
For the video, click here.