Opinion ID: 1904276
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: patti jo smith

Text: Respondent was sued by a former client, Patti Jo Smith. The action was brought to compel Respondent to turn over her bank book to her. Respondent was directed to appear in court on April 21, 1978. He did not appear. On April 25, 1978, another superior court judge ordered him to surrender the bank book within 48 hours. He failed to comply. As a result, an order to show cause was issued to hold Respondent in contempt returnable June 23, 1978. When he did not appear, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The bank book was ultimately delivered to the plaintiff through the efforts of Respondent's counsel. Respondent subsequently failed to comply with a court order issued September 21, 1978, to pay plaintiff's counsel fees totalling $1,300 and court costs of $84. Another order for contempt was returnable on March 29, 1979. Again, he failed to respond. A second bench warrant was issued. After his arrest, he was brought before the court on October 9, 1980, was found in contempt of court and was directed to pay the counsel fees. Respondent did not appeal this decision and did not appear at the Ethics hearing. After the presenter placed on the record the substance of the complaint, the District Ethics Committee concluded that Respondent's conduct was unethical and unprofessional.