Opinion ID: 2573333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Was there sufficient evidence to find Respondent's depression and community reputation were mitigating factors?

Text: Respondent next argues the evidence supported the panel finding two additional mitigating factors. The first is his claim that he suffered from depression, which caused his misconduct and can be treated. The second is his claim that he has good character and enjoys a good reputation in the community. The Disciplinary Administrator argues the panel considered Respondent's testimony on these matters and was justified in determining neither was sufficient to warrant consideration as a mitigating factor. As to the first matter, Respondent contends his depression and financial difficulties were emotional and personal problems contributing to his violation of the Rules and should have been found as mitigating factors. The hearing panel addressed these matters in its final report. It acknowledged Respondent's testimony that he suffered from depression, and it acknowledged his opinion that the depression contributed to his misconduct. But the panel did not believe this testimony was sufficient to establish a mitigating factor because Respondent offered no evidence to corroborate his assertions, as we discussed above. Under Standard 9.32(i), a finding that a mental disability qualifies as a mitigating factor requires showing four factors: (1) There is medical evidence the Respondent is affected by a mental disability; (2) the mental disability caused the misconduct; (3) Respondent's recovery from the mental disability is demonstrated by a meaningful and sustained period of successful rehabilitation; and (4) the recovery arrested the misconduct and recurrence of that misconduct is unlikely. ABA Standard 9.32(i)(1)-(4). Respondent failed to make a showing as to any of these elements. He had ample notice and opportunity to submit evidence about his condition, but came to the hearing unprepared to do so. The panel did not err in deciding not to consider this as a mitigating factor. As to character and reputation, Respondent contends the hearing panel should have found his previous good character and reputation in the community were mitigating factors. He claims he established this through two letters. The first letter was from Thomas Lasater, a local attorney familiar with Respondent. Lasater wrote he knew Respondent for many years, and he thought [w]hen [Respondent] is on his game, he is truly a credit to his profession. Lasater also stated that [w]ith proper medical care and professional monitoring, I believe [Respondent] will be able to comply with all of his duties and obligations as a practicing lawyer. The second letter was from David Hiebert, another local attorney. The letter was addressed to the Disciplinary Administrator indicating Hiebert would supervise Respondent's practice if the panel agreed to probation. This letter contained no information on Respondent's character. It merely stated that Hiebert was familiar with [Respondent's] depression issues. Hearing panels in other discipline cases have relied upon reference letters to determine whether the Respondent possessed a good character and reputation in the community. But these cases required a significant showing to establish this factor. See In re Ellis, 288 Kan. 604, 204 P.3d 1161, 1164 (2009) (good character and reputation was evidenced by a number of letters); In re Campbell, 287 Kan. 757, 761, 199 P.3d 776 (2009) (good character and reputation was evidenced by several letters). Other hearing panels have also relied upon the testimony of reputation witnesses or the combination of both character witnesses and letters to establish this factor. See In re Lee, 287 Kan. 676, 682, 198 P.3d 140 (2008) (good character and reputation was established through testimony of character witnesses); In re Lazzo, 283 Kan. 167, 171, 150 P.3d 887 (2007) (good character and reputation was established by testimony of witnesses and several letters). Respondent submitted one letter, and he failed to subpoena any character witnesses. The panel did not err in failing to find this factor in his favor. See In re Walsh, 286 Kan. at 248, 182 P.3d 1218.