A former public defender was accused of representing a client under the influence of cocaine several years ago.

Then he tried to argue that the drug enhanced his performance. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Disciplinary Board didn’t buy it.

The Erie Times News reports how Nathan Strasser, 45, had been working part-time for the Erie County Public Defender’s Office when the incident occurred.

The same Erie Times News article explains how Strasser was at a preliminary hearing on Nov. 2, 2022, in Harborcreek Township for a client in a DUI case. He was subsequently fired and a disciplinary complaint was filed against him.

Conformable ABA JournalStrasser represented himself during his disciplinary hearing in September 2023. At the time, he argued that cocaine use actually contributed to his cognitive abilities, making him a better lawyer.

“Cocaine has a positive effect on one’s own cognition in small doses,” Strasser said at the time. “My mental awareness was in a heightened state, not a diminished state.”

The Pennsylvania Office of Disciplinary Counsel found this argument “absurd” and asked the three-member hearing panel to recommend a suspension of at least 366 days, which the panel agreed to. The Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted the board’s full report.

The website of the disciplinary committee confirms that Strasser’s suspension will take effect on December 6.

Strasser has been practicing law since 2007 without any prior discipline.