COUNTYWIDE : Santa Ana Lawyer’s Suspension Stands

The California Supreme Court has refused to review its earlier decision ordering a 60-day suspension for a well-known Orange County defense attorney as a result of his 1988 misdemeanor conviction for failing to file state income tax returns.

Santa Ana attorney Milton C. Grimes sought to overturn the July 10 court order, claiming it was too harsh. The 45-year-old attorney filed an appeal for review with the state Supreme Court on July 25.

Grimes acknowledged failing to file state tax returns from 1980 to 1982 when he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge in Orange County Municipal Court. He was ordered to pay delinquent taxes of $1,269, along with a $4,000 fine, and perform 100 hours of community service.

The state Supreme Court ordered him not to practice law for 60 days but reduced the California State Bar’s recommended three-year probation to two years.

Grimes said Thursday he had “no comment.” But when asked his plans, he said that he was conducting research to see what his next legal move might be.

A State Bar official said Grimes’ 60-day suspension began Sept. 13, the day the state Supreme Court refused the appeal for review.

Grimes gained nationwide attention in 1988 for his postpartum-psychosis defense of accused murderer Sheryl Lynn Massip, who claimed she was temporarily insane, suffering from a severe form of the “baby blues,” when she ran over and killed her infant son with the family car.

Although Grimes failed to convince the jury, Superior Court Judge Robert R. Fitzgerald, impressed by the strength of the defense, threw out the jury’s verdict and freed Massip. The 4th District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana has refused to overturn Fitzgerald’s decision.