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Minn. Attorney Suspended For 90 Days For Drugs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Supreme Court has ordered a 90-day suspension for a lawyer who was arrested in a Winona courtroom for possession of cocaine.

Chuck Ramsay of New Brighton was charged with cocaine possession in January 2009 after exhibiting unusual behavior at the courthouse while defending Jack Willis Nissalke.

Last year, he was sentenced to two days in jail, 10 years probation, a $2,500 fine and community service. Court documents indicate he has also gone through treatment for chemical dependency.

Justice Alan Page dissented, arguing that a 90-day suspension didn't reflect the harm Ramsay caused nor would it deter similar acts in the future.

Ramsay was arrested while defending Nissalke on charges of terroristic threats related to the investigation of a homicide in 1985. Nissalke was later convicted of murder.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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