Opinion ID: 1347088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Ewell Hatfield Estate

Text: Claims were made against the estate of Ewell Hatfield, and Hardison represented the administratrix of the estate. A trial date was scheduled for May 2, 1994 in the Circuit Court of Mingo County, West Virginia. On that day, Hardison called the judge and stated that his car had broken down. Disciplinary counsel believed that Hardison also said he would obtain a replacement vehicle. Later, after setting out in the replacement vehicle, disciplinary counsel believed Hardison called the court to say he could not make an appearance because he had been stopped for speeding. The court granted default judgment against the estate on the complaint and a cross complaint. A complaint was filed against Hardison, but no witnesses were located to support the allegation that Hardison had called to advise the court that he would obtain another vehicle or that he was stopped for speeding. Hardison under oath denied making such representations to the court. The Board determined there was insufficient evidence to support the charge that Hardison had violated Rule 8.4(c) (Misconduct) or Rule 8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which read as follows: It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to: (c) engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; (d) engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice[.] The Panel recommended dismissal of the charges and the ODC does not contest this finding.