Opinion ID: 2567508
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Factors Relating to Appropriate Standard

Text: In deciding what discipline to recommend, the hearing panel considered the factors outlined by the American Bar Association in its Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions (1991). In applying Standard 3, the hearing panel considered the duty violated, the lawyer's mental state, the potential or actual injury caused by the misconduct, and the existence of aggravating or mitigating factors.  Duty Violated. The Respondent violated his duty to the legal profession to maintain personal integrity.  Mental State. The Respondent knowingly violated his duty.  Injury. As a result of the Respondent's misconduct, the Respondent caused actual harm to the legal profession.  Aggravating or Mitigating Factors. Aggravating circumstances are any considerations or factors that may justify an increase in the degree of discipline to be imposed. In reaching its recommendation for discipline, the Hearing Panel, in this case, found the following aggravating factors present:  Prior Disciplinary Offenses. The Respondent was disciplined in the State of Missouri for the same misconduct. Additionally, in 1993, the Missouri disciplinary authorities admonished the Respondent for having direct contact with prospective clients. Finally, in 2002, the Missouri disciplinary authorities admonished the Respondent for failing to provide diligent representation and adequate communication in two cases. The Hearing Panel considered this prior discipline but found it to be remote in time and/or in character from this proceeding.  Dishonest or Selfish Motive. It is selfish to fail to pay income taxes.  A Pattern of Misconduct. The Respondent engaged in a pattern of misconduct when he repeatedly failed to file his personal income tax returns and repeatedly failed to pay his income taxes. Accordingly, the Respondent engaged in a pattern of misconduct.  Illegal Conduct. The Respondent engaged in illegal conduct by failing to file his income tax returns and by failing to pay his income taxes. Mitigating circumstances are any considerations or factors that may justify a reduction in the degree of discipline to be imposed. In reaching its recommendation for discipline, the Hearing Panel, in this case, found the following mitigating circumstances present:  The Present and Past Attitude of the Attorney as Shown by the Respondent's Cooperation During the Hearing and the Respondent's Acknowledgment of the Transgressions. The Respondent fully cooperated in the disciplinary process as exhibited by his complete acknowledgment of the misconduct.  Inexperience in the Practice of Law. The Kansas Supreme Court admitted the Respondent to practice law in 1992. At the time the Respondent's misconduct began, the Respondent had been practicing law for a period of four years. Accordingly, the Hearing Panel concludes that Respondent was inexperienced in the practice of law at the time he engaged in the misconduct.  Previous Good Character and Reputation in the Community Including any Letters from Clients, Friends, and Lawyers in Support of the Character and General Reputation of the Attorney. The Respondent is an active and productive member of the bar in Kansas City, Missouri. He enjoys the respect of his peers and clients and generally possesses a good character and reputation.  Imposition of Other Penalties or Sanctions. Other penalties and sanctions have been imposed against the Respondent. The Respondent spent one year in prison as a result of the misdemeanor conviction.  Remorse. At the hearing on the Formal Complaint, the Respondent expressed genuine remorse.