Opinion ID: 1584306
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count I: Defense of Kenneth John Borth.

Text: On March 29, 2002, in Spencer, Clay County, Iowa, the respondent's father, Kenneth John Borth, was charged with public intoxication, a violation of a Spencer municipal ordinance. On April 3, 2002, respondent entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of his father. Subsequently, respondent communicated with Brad Howe, the assistant city attorney, and negotiated a disposition of the charge against Kenneth Borth. On May 2, 2002, a deferred prosecution was ordered on the public intoxication charge, and on November 1, 2002, the criminal case was dismissed. The respondent was an assistant county attorney when he defended his father on this criminal charge. The Board alleged this conduct violated DR 8-101(B), which provides: County attorneys and assistant county attorneys shall not engage in the defense of an accused in any criminal matter during the time they are holding this public office. The Commission concluded Borth violated DR 8-101(B), and we agree.