Opinion ID: 1212265
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Submission of Falsified Documents to ODC.

Text: Respondent next argues the panel erred in finding he violated the Rules of Professional Conduct in Matter IV by being involved in the submission of fabricated documents to ODC. Respondent asserts (a) ODC failed to prove he fabricated the documents; (b) there was insufficient proof that he submitted the false documents to ODC; (c) the testimony of his secretary was not credible; and (d) the panel applied the wrong standard of proof in finding he violated Rules 8.4(d) and (e) of Rule 407, SCACR. After reviewing the testimony, we find there is clear and convincing evidence that Respondent allowed the submission of falsified documents to ODC. Respondent's secretary testified in detail about the circumstances surrounding the faxing of the backdated documents to ODC. She stated Respondent sent her to the courthouse to retrieve the client's file, and when she returned Respondent told her the documents in question had magically appeared. Respondent asked her to sign the letters and fax them to ODC, which she did. Respondent then shredded the originals. In contrast, Respondent testified that he did not produce the documents and had no knowledge of them before they were sent to ODC as he did not review them. He stated his secretary might have fabricated the documents as a means of revenge against him. Respondent contends the panel applied the wrong burden of proof because, in the report prepared by the subpanel, it is stated: We may be unable to determine that ODC has proved Respondent fabricated the documents, however, the totality of the evidence makes it difficult for us to free the Respondent from any responsibility. Respondent asserts this shows a mere preponderance of the evidence standard was applied rather than a clear and convincing evidence standard. We disagree. The subpanel (and panel) found Respondent was involved in the submission of the admittedly falsified documents, regardless of whether Respondent personally prepared them. This conclusion is supported by the following evidence relied upon by the subpanel, which noted (1) the format of the falsified letters does not match the format typically used by Respondent's secretary, such as the signature line and the initials indicating who prepared the letter; (2) the properties on the electronic version of the documents indicate they were prepared at a time when the secretary's cell phone records show she was not in the office; (3) Respondent's disciplinary history reveals a pattern of attempting to place blame on his staff for his own conduct; and (4) Respondent testified falsely regarding a number of inconsequential issues, only to retract his testimony when ODC pointed out his contrary statements in his prior appearances. Accordingly, we find there is clear and convincing evidence indicating Respondent was involved in the submission of falsified documents to ODC, which is sanctionable conduct.