Opinion ID: 1254899
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: We review attorney disciplinary proceedings de novo. Iowa Ct. R. 35.10(1). Although we give weight to the commission's factual findings, especially when considering the credibility of witnesses, we are not bound by them. Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof'l Ethics & Conduct v. O'Brien, 690 N.W.2d 57, 57 (Iowa 2004). The board has the burden to prove the allegations of misconduct contained in the complaint by a convincing preponderance of the evidence. Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof'l Ethics & Conduct v. Evans, 537 N.W.2d 783, 784 (Iowa 1995). While this burden is higher than the burden in civil cases, it is lower than in a criminal prosecution. Id.; accord Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof'l Ethics & Conduct v. Ronwin, 557 N.W.2d 515, 517 (Iowa 1996).