Opinion ID: 2514949
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: DA10178 Complaint of D.D.

Text: Respondent represented D.D. in his appeal of a criminal conviction before the Kansas Court of Appeals. Respondent docketed the appeal out of time. The court initially directed that Respondent file his brief by July 24, 2006, but he failed to do so. Thereafter, on August 8, 2006, the court directed Respondent to file a brief by August 29, 2006. Respondent filed a motion for additional time. The court granted his motion and directed that he file the brief by September 28, 2006. On September 29, 2006, Respondent filed an untimely second motion for additional time to file the brief. The court granted Respondent's second motion and directed that he file the brief by November 29, 2006. On November 29, 2006, Respondent filed a third motion for additional time to file the brief. He explained that he needed additional time because he was working on four other appellate cases. On December 19, 2006, the court denied Respondent's motion and stated, Mr. Thomas has a history of filing pleadings out of time without providing adequate justification for the delays. Accordingly, the court removed Respondent as attorney for D.D. and remanded the case to the district court for the appointment of new appellate counsel. On January 5, 2007, the district court appointed Adrian Gilby to represent D.D. The Court of Appeals directed Gilby to file a brief on behalf of D.D. by February 12, 2007. On February 9, 2007, Gilby filed a motion for additional time to file the brief stating that Respondent had refused to provide D.D.'s file and transcripts of the case without a signed waiver from D.D. The court then directed Gilby to file a brief on behalf of D.D. by March 14, 2007. On March 13, 2007, Gilby filed a motion asking for a stay of the briefing schedule, repeating that even though D.D. had provided a signed waiver, Respondent continued to refuse to provide D.D.'s file and transcripts. The court then issued a show cause order on March 28, 2007, which provided as follows: The appellant was sentenced on September 15, 2005. Due to delays by trial and appellate counsel, whether appointed or retained, this appeal has not yet reached the briefing stage. It appears from the pleadings that Bob L. Thomas continues to obstruct access to appellate review for his former client. Bob L. Thomas is ordered to show cause by written response to be filed on or before April 11, 2007, why this court should not impose sanctions on him for failing to comply with orders of this court and for hindering his former client's access to the courts. Respondent never responded to the court's order to show cause. In April 2007, the Disciplinary Administrator received information from the Court of Appeals regarding Respondent's representation of D.D. As a result, the Disciplinary Administrator docketed a complaint against Respondent. On April 4, 2007, the Disciplinary Administrator wrote to him and directed that he provide a written response. Respondent failed to provide a written response to the initial complaint as directed. Terry L. Morgan, Special Investigator with the Disciplinary Administrator's office, was assigned to investigate the matter. Respondent failed to respond to repeated inquiries made by Morgan regarding the complaint.