Matthew Rifat was ordained on Saturday, May 24^th 2025, as a permanent Deacon in the Diocese of San Diego.  He was publicly reproved by the State Bar Court of California on May 27^th 2025, just three days later, which did not include disbarment or temporary suspension.  Instead, since the ruling stated Matthew neither acted with dishonesty nor displayed acute recklessness, it did state he recklessly allowed his legal and bookkeeping services to be used by others to commit years-long insurance fraud. 

Thus, according to the court, discipline is warranted to maintain the integrity of the legal profession.  “On consideration of the surrounding facts and the substantial mitigation (and absence of aggravation),” Judge Wang wrote, “the court issues a public reproval with conditions.”

The trial was held over six non-consecutive days starting on March 4^th 2025.  The case was submitted for a decision on April 4^th 2025, which was the same date the closing briefs were due.  The California Bar’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel sought vociferously for a finding of moral turpitude and a recommendation of disbarment with each of their arguments.  Respondent Matthew Rifat argued, at the very most, he should get a short actual suspension on a court’s finding that no moral turpitude was... Read More

The Priests and the Deacons and others of the ordained order walked two by two in a long procession.  They moved reverently down the center aisle in their white robes at the Catholic church of Saint Therese of Carmel.  Then they each... Read More