Opinion ID: 2546336
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Factors Under ABA Standard 3.0

Text: The Hearing Board finds that the following evidence, relevant to determining the appropriate sanction, has been proved by clear and convincing evidence:
Respondent had a duty to his client, Ms. Pleas, to deal professionally, honestly, and openly with the Wickliffe Estate, of which his client was the personal representative. Respondent also had a duty to his client to deal professionally, honestly, and openly with her own personal funds. As an officer of the court, Respondent had a duty to render an honest and accurate accounting on the funds entrusted to him. In addition, he had a duty to promote confidence, not distrust, in our system of justice. Respondent blatantly breached each of these duties.
Respondent acted knowingly when he took Wickliffe Estate funds and Ms. Pleas' money from his COLTAF and Estate Accounts. Although Respondent claimed that Ms. Pleas authorized the withdrawals or stole money from the accounts, this claim makes little sense in the absence of any supporting evidence. In addition, Respondent testified that he had a closed head injury during Operation Desert Storm, but he again offered no evidence that such an injury was related to his misconduct. See People v. Lujan, 890 P.2d 109, 112-113 (Colo.1995) (disbarment is not the appropriate sanction where an injury causes a respondent to engage in the misconduct).
Respondent converted at least $4,050.35 from the COLTAF Account and $3,379.00 from the Estate Account. In addition, Respondent's first wife and two minor children have lost the benefit of $28,076.69 because Respondent has disregarded his child support order. These facts alone demonstrate serious injury. Respondent also caused injury to our system of justice, by obstructing the effective administration of the Wickliffe Estate and failing to honor of court orders.