Title: In Re Krotenberg

State: arizona

Issuer: Arizona Supreme Court

Document:

111 Ariz. 251 (1974) 527 P.2d 510 In the Matter of Member of the State Bar of Arizona, Stanley KROTENBERG, Respondent. No. SB-50. Supreme Court of Arizona, En Banc. October 25, 1974. *252 Eugene J. Lane, Tucson, for State Bar of Ariz. Chandler, Tullar, Udall & Richmond, by Joseph R. McDonald, Tucson, for respondent. HAYS, Chief Justice. The Findings of Fact and Recommendation of the Board of Governors, as hereinafter quoted, sets out the facts and issues in this matter: The respondent, Stanley Krotenberg, objected to the Findings of Fact and Recommendation of the Board of Governors. Briefs were filed and oral argument was heard by this court. The respondent admits the pertinent facts in the Findings but objects to the inferences drawn therefrom. He candidly admits that under the circumstances here he is peculiarly susceptible to the charge of undue influence and that he should have urged Miss Barber to seek the advice and assistance of another lawyer. Respondent contends, however, that he is pure in heart and therefore should not be made to suffer for something which amounts to merely poor judgment. We regret that we have no device for measuring purity of heart and must arrive at our decision on the basis of the facts presented to us. We are concerned not only with evil but the appearance of evil as well. An examination of the record, including the numerous exhibits, shows a course of conduct which cannot be condoned by this court. The evidence is clear and convincing. In re Wilson, 106 Ariz. 34, 470 P.2d 441 (1970). We have an obligation to protect the public from this sort of activity. In re MacDonald, 56 Ariz. 120, 105 P.2d 1114 (1940). Respondent urges that the six months' suspension recommended by the Board of Governors is excessive. We note that the Administrative Committee's recommendation was twelve months. We consider the six months' suspension as the bare minimum which should be given. The respondent, Stanley Krotenberg, is suspended from the practice of law for six months commencing fifteen (15) days from the issuance of the mandate of this court. CAMERON, V.C.J., and STRUCKMEYER, LOCKWOOD and HOLOHAN, JJ., concur.