Opinion ID: 2582135
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Challenges of Findings of Fact

Text: DeRuiz disputes the findings of fact by the hearing officer and Disciplinary Board, but he does so only generally by arguing his version of the facts while ignoring testimony by other witnesses that supports each finding. When considering factual challenges, we give particular weight to the hearing officer's findings based upon a determination of credibility and veracity of witnesses because the hearing officer has direct contact with the witnesses and is in the best position to make such judgments. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Bonet, 144 Wash.2d 502, 512, 29 P.3d 1242 (2001). An appellants brief is insufficient if, as here, it contains merely a recitation of the facts that are favorable to the appellant while ignoring other testimony. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Haskell, 136 Wash.2d 300, 311, 962 P.2d 813 (1998). We affirm the findings of fact below.