Opinion ID: 1161862
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: did the hearing committee err in dismissing count four?

Text: In November, 1980, shortly before Mrs. Weil's death, Respondent borrowed the sum of $3,000 from Mrs. Weil. Respondent claims he gave Mrs. Weil a promissory note reflecting the loan at the going rate of interest, but there is no evidence to corroborate this claim. Respondent did not find the note among Mrs. Weil's personal effects after she died. Respondent did not retain a copy of the promissory note for his own records, despite his practice of keeping copies of contracts of indebtedness which he had signed. No one else was present when the transaction occurred. Respondent repaid the principal due on the note by crediting the account of Mrs. Weil's estate, but did not pay the interest due. Respondent was charged in count four with violations of DR 1-102(A)(4), conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; DR 1-102(A)(6), conduct which adversely reflects on fitness to practice law, and DR 5-104(A), business relations with a client. After the Hearing Committee dismissed count four and the Commission agreed, Bar counsel appealed. See Ariz.R.S.Ct. 53(e), 17A A.R.S. While we might agree with Bar counsel that Respondent violated one or more of the DR's, see In re Kali, 124 Ariz. 592, 606 P.2d 808 (1980); In re Neville, 147 Ariz. 106, 111-12, 708 P.2d 1297, 1302-03 (1985); In re Staples, 259 Or. 406, 410, 486 P.2d 1281, 1283 (1971), we are unable to reinstate count four because our rules do not allow us to review a dismissal of a charge. The decision of the commission shall be final as to dismissal, remand, probation and reprimand, a censure that is not appealed, or if part of a private discipline, restitution and assessment. Ariz. R.S.Ct. 53(d)(2), 17A A.R.S.