Opinion ID: 1184437
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: second item of complaint

Text: This complaint was made by John J. Majeres, Robert T. Atkinson, and The Honorable Bertil E. Johnson. Essentially, this complaint deals with the allegation respondent contacted the client of another attorney, and sought to render services to such client without the approval of the attorney. One Charles David Nash, charged in Pierce County with unlawful possession of marijuana, had appointed counsel to defend him in that matter. Nash was not unknown to law enforcement; his FBI record covered four pages. Respondent was then representing Nash as to pending charges in King County, and also had previously represented Nash. Respondent went to see Nash in the Pierce County jail. While he was there Nash mentioned the Pierce County charge and showed respondent a letter from his appointed counsel, John J. Majeres. Respondent said Mr. Majeres was properly representing Nash. Later respondent claims to have attempted to contact Mr. Majeres. He did not contact him, but did have a conference with Nash and then went to see the deputy prosecuting attorney who was in charge of that case. He discussed the possibility of settlement of the charges pending in Pierce County. He said he would possibly receive a fee of $5,000 if he could settle all of the cases pending against Nash. The deputy prosecuting attorney, Mr. Robert T. Atkinson, refused to enter into any compromise. There was an incident wherein Nash telephoned Mr. Majeres and said he wanted to waive a jury trial. He was told to come to the courtroom and make the waiver in open court, which he agreed to do. Nash did not appear at the appointed time. Respondent was seen in the courthouse corridor at that time. The waiver of jury trial was later rescinded. The hearing panel held respondent should not have contacted Nash with regard to the matter in Pierce County and should not have taken any part therein without the prior approval of Mr. Majeres. A reprimand was recommended, in which the disciplinary board agreed.