Opinion ID: 2569696
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Laster Complaint

Text: Code Laster was convicted of first-degree murder in Wyandotte County, Kansas. On April 28, 1997, he was sentenced to life in prison. The Appellate Defender's office was initially appointed on the appeal, and a notice of appeal was timely filed on April 28, 1997. The Appellate Defender's office withdrew from the case in November 1997. On January 5, 1998, Sachse was appointed to handle Laster's appeal. The deadline for filing the brief was March 2, 1998. Sachse failed to file a brief with the appellate court. On June 25, 1998, Sachse was ordered by this court to show cause why the case should not be dismissed for failure to file a brief. There was no response to the show cause order, and Laster's appeal was dismissed for failure to file a brief. On February 12, 1999, John Duma entered an appearance on the appeal for Laster. Duma filed a motion to reinstate the appeal due to Sachse's failure to perfect and complete the appeal. The motion was granted. On October 28, 1998, Laster complained to the Disciplinary Administrator's office. Laster alleged that he had had no communication with Sachse at any time during Sachse's representation. The Disciplinary Administrator filed a complaint, alleging that Sachse failed to competently and diligently pursue the Laster appeal, that he failed to properly communicate with his client, and that Sachse's conduct was prejudicial to administration of justice. Sachse admits the facts and violations alleged by the Disciplinary Administrator in the Laster complaint. He explains that he intended to complete and file a brief on Laster's behalf, but he had no time to complete the work.