A divided Nevada Supreme Court has upheld the temporary suspension of Harvey Whittemore’s law license pending full disciplinary proceedings by the state Bar.
In a ruling issued Wednesday, four justices said public confidence in the legal profession and judicial system would be diminished if Whittemore was allowed to continue practicing law.
The suspension was effective immediately.
But two justices dissented, saying they would allow Whittemore to continue his practice with restrictions until final disciplinary proceedings by the state Bar.
Whittemore is a one-time Nevada political powerbroker and land developer.
He was convicted in May of three felonies involving illegal campaign contributions to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Whittemore was sentenced in September to two years in prison and is appealing.
He was ordered to surrender to authorities by Jan. 31.