Opinion ID: 1752087
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Count 2. Pattern of Submitting False Evidence and Fabricated Documents.

Text: Respondent submitted fabricated retainer letters in response to complaints filed with the Director by Harlan and Muriel Bursh, Mr. and Mrs. Weldon Smith, and Stewart Case. Respondent later sued two of these parties in conciliation court for legal fees, submitting the fabricated letters into evidence. In his own marriage dissolution matter, respondent filed an affidavit with a fabricated letter purporting to memorialize an agreement to make certain payments in lieu of spousal maintenance. Respondent filed a motion to vacate a default judgment obtained against him in Florida and to stay proceedings when the Florida law firm of Moore, Farmer, Menkhaus & Juran, P.A. sought to enforce the judgment in Minnesota. In support of his motion, respondent submitted a fabricated letter purporting to confirm an agreement to give respondent an extension of time to answer the lawsuit in Florida. The referee concluded that respondent's conduct in fabricating letters and submitting them into evidence violated Rules 3.3(a)(1) and (4); 3.4(b); 8.1(a)(1); and 8.4(a), (c), and (d), MRPC.