Opinion ID: 1231745
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Property Dispute Matter

Text: A party involved in a dispute over the purchase of real property retained Respondent to represent him in the dispute. On his client's behalf, Respondent sent a letter to the adverse party in the dispute informing the party of Respondent's representation. The letter additionally accused the adverse party of extortion and grand larceny. Furthermore, the letter indicated that Respondent had contacted the solicitor's office, who had in turn been in contact with the sheriff and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division about the matter. The letter stated that Respondent intended to file a civil action based on the dispute and the letter indicated that the solicitor was going to handle the criminal case. Respondent further asserted in the letter that he believed the adverse party would likely serve prison time as a result of his conduct. According to ODC, Respondent's representations that he had been in contact with the solicitor's office and with law enforcement were false. In response to this letter, the adverse party offered to refund Respondent's client's money in exchange for a release. Seeking additional information, Respondent replied to this offer and requested a response from the adverse party within three days. Respondent asserted that after that time he would not be able to stop the process of this action and [the adverse party] will be picked up.