Opinion ID: 2573333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Did the hearing panel violate Respondent's right to due process by denying his request to submit additional evidence after the hearing?

Text: Respondent argues fundamental fairness requires a rehearing because, after the hearing, the panel did not allow Respondent to submit written information from his physician and counselor about his claim that he suffers from depression. Respondent contends this information was relevant, as a mitigating factor, to establish that his depression contributed to the violations and how continued treatment would alleviate the depression. As noted above, the final hearing report reflected that [n]o evidence was offered to corroborate the Respondent's testimony [regarding his depressed state]. As background for this argument, we note Respondent testified personally at his hearing that he suffered from depression and offered his opinion that this depression was a factor in his misconduct. He did not call his doctor or counselor as a witness, and he did not submit any documentation about his illness. When asked why he did not call these witnesses, Respondent told the panel: I should have ... but I didn't choose to[ sic ] I did not subpoena them and have them come.... [M]y opinion was I guess that the letters from folks, the ongoing issues and difficulties ... and quite frankly my own admissions ... would be sufficient to ... establish that. A member of the panel then asked if he would be willing to submit letters from his doctor to the panel, and Respondent agreed. The panel member indicated he would be interested in that information. But after the parties rested, the panel informed Respondent it had not formally requested he submit letters regarding his depression. Respondent asked the panel to allow it in the following statement: I would like to ask for the opportunity to present [the letters]. I haven't done as good a job as I need to in presenting my case to you. I would ask that you keep the record open so that I would be able to present that.... The panel reiterated it would consider his request during deliberation, but it had not agreed to keep the record open for additional evidence. There is no evidence Respondent attempted to submit any documentation to the panel after the hearing, even though nearly 90 days passed between the time the hearing concluded and the date of the panel's written report. Respondent made no effort to follow up on this submission during this time and explains that he was confused as to whether it would have been proper to do so. Respondent argues now that fundamental fairness requires allowing him to submit these letters because a panel member asked for them before Respondent concluded his testimony. He argues he was not informed the letters would not be allowed until after he rested his case. Respondent believes a new panel should be constituted to receive this evidence, rehear the other evidence previously presented, and then consider anew what recommendations to make to this court. An attorney has a property interest in his or her license, and it cannot be deprived without due process of law. In re Brown, 258 Kan. 731, 734, 907 P.2d 132 (1995). The fundamental due process requirement is the opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner. In re J.D.C., 284 Kan. 155, 166, 159 P.3d 974 (2007). Respondent appears to argue he was not heard in a meaningful manner because he was not allowed to submit additional evidence that he was not prepared to present at the original hearing. But Respondent had the opportunity to submit letters from his doctor and counselor or to call these witnesses to testify at the hearing, and he knew this well in advance of the hearing date. The Notice of Hearing, dated March 13, 2008, specifically advised: Respondent is entitled to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present evidence. In addition, Rule 211 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 313) informs parties to these proceedings how formal hearings are to be conducted and makes it obvious that this is the opportunity to put on evidence. Yet despite this notice, Respondent came to the hearing unprepared to corroborate his own testimony. He knew, or certainly should have known, that it would be necessary for him to place into evidence supporting evidence about his medical diagnosis, his treatment, and his prognosis. He obviously made the choice to offer this medical evidence through his own testimony, rather than to corroborate his testimony with qualified medical evidence. It cannot be reasonably argued now that Respondent was denied fundamental fairness when it was his own decision that led to this evidence not being available for presentation to the panel at the hearing. Having failed to follow the procedures available to him, his due process rights were not violated.