Opinion ID: 2573333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Should Respondent receive probation instead of suspension?

Text: Finally, Respondent attacks the hearing panel's recommendation of a 1-year suspension and claims he is entitled to probation based on a proposed probation plan he submitted to the panel at the day of its evidentiary hearing. The panel rejected the proposed plan for two reasons. First, the panel found Respondent failed to comply with Kansas Supreme Court Rule 211(g) (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 313) because he did not implement the plan before the hearing and because his proposed plan was not substantial, detailed, and workable. The panel noted Respondent did not even locate a probation supervisor until 2 days before the hearing on the formal complaint. Just as importantly, the panel also found probation would not correct all of Respondent's misconduct and would not serve the interests of the legal profession or the state because Respondent engaged in dishonest conduct. We note the panel's recommendation for discipline is advisory only, and it does not constrain this court from imposing a greater or lesser penalty. In re Dennis, 286 Kan. 708, 737, 188 P.3d 1 (2008); Rule 212(f) (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 327). In this matter, we accept the hearing panel's recommendation. Respondent failed to meet the procedural and substantive requirements for submitting a plan under Rule 211(g)(1). These requirements must be satisfied before the hearing panel can recommend probation. Respondent failed to do this. In addition, the panel found Respondent's dishonest conduct could not be corrected by probation, and it was not in the interests of the profession or the citizens of Kansas to recommend probation. Rule 211(g)(3)(iii) bars the hearing panel from recommending probation if the panel finds the misconduct cannot be corrected by probation. The panel's conclusion is further supported by the ABA Standards. Under ABA Standards 4.42 and 6.22, suspension is appropriate when an attorney: (1) displays a pattern of neglect, causing injury or the potential for injury; (2) knowingly fails to perform services, causing injury or the potential for injury; and (3) knowingly violates a court order or rule. Respondent's misconduct toward his clients clearly falls within the first two instances. He did not file an answer, return phone calls, or perform any work on his client's behalf. Respondent's decision to appear in Judge Powell's court while his license was suspended violates the third instance. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Respondent, Steven K. Woodring, be and he is hereby disciplined by suspension from the practice of law in Kansas for a period of 1 year effective upon the filing of this opinion, in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 203(a)(2) (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 266), for violations of KRPC 1.1 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 400) (competence); KRPC 1.3 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 415) (diligence); KRPC 1.4 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 432) (communication); KRPC 1.15 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 493) (safekeeping property); KRPC 3.3 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 531) (candor toward the tribunal); KRPC 5.5 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 565) (unauthorized practice of law); KRPC 8.1 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 579) (bar admission and disciplinary matters); and KRPC 8.4 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 586) (misconduct). IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Respondent make restitution to D.V. and F.S. in the amount of $308 each. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Respondent undergo a reinstatement hearing pursuant to Kansas Supreme Court Rule 219 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 365) before he may be reinstated. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Respondent comply with Supreme Court Rule 218 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 350). IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the costs of this action be assessed to the Respondent and that this order be published in the official Kansas Reports.