Opinion ID: 2790966
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: disposition and discipline

Text: Following a hearing, the trial commissioner found Respondent in violation of each of the above charges. And, while the trial commissioner noted the 3 gravity of the violations, he placed great emphasis on uncontradicted mitigating evidence presented by Respondent, including his health problems, which included cardiac problems requiring a defibrillator implant, and his exemplary efforts in taking care of a special-needs grandchild, saving the child from foster care. Respondent also tendered restitution of fees to all of the aggrieved clients, including using funds from his retirement account. The trial commissioner recommended that Respondent be suspended from practice for 180 days. Neither bar counsel nor the Board of Governors appealed the recommended disposition pursuant to SCR 3.360, 3.365, and 3.370. As a result, this matter was submitted directly to this Court. See SCR 3.360(4). 3 Becauseth rialcom is oner'sfind gsandconlusionsaresup ortedbythe record and the law, we decline to review the recommendation of the trial commissioner pursuant to SCR 3.370(8). SCR 3.370(9) provides if no notice of review is filed by either of the parties, or the Court under paragraph eight (8) of this rule, the Court shall enter an order adopting the decision of the Board or the Trial Commissioner, whichever the case may be, relating to all matters. The recommendation of the trial commissioner is therefore adopted pursuant to SCR 3.370(9). Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that: 1) Respondent, Charles H. Schaffner, KBA Number 83759, 1069 Emerson Road, Park Hills, Kentucky, 41011, is adjudged guilty of violating SCR 3 Within 30 days after the filing with the Disciplinary Clerk of: (a) the report, (b) an order ruling on a motion under SCR 3.360(3), or (c) an amended report, whichever is later, either party may file a notice of appeal with the Disciplinary Clerk. If no notice of appeal is timely filed, the entire record shall be forwarded to the Court for entry of a final order pursuant to SCR 3.370(9). SCR 3.360(4). 4 3.130-1.1; SCR 3.130-1.15(a); SCR 3.130-1.15(b); SCR 3.130-5.3(a); SCR 3.130-5.3(b); SCR 3.130-5.3(c)(2); and SCR 3.130-5.4(b) as charged in KBA File 83759; 2) Respondent is suspended from the practice of law in Kentucky for 180 days; 3) Pursuant to SCR 3.390, Respondent shall, within ten days from the entry of this Opinion and Order, if he has not already done so, notify all clients, in writing, of his inability to represent them; notify, in writing, all courts in which he has matters pending of his 180-day suspension from the practice of law; and furnish copies of all letters of notice to the Office of Bar Counsel; 4) If he has not already done so, to the extent possible, Respondent shall immediately cancel and cease any advertising activities in which he is engaged; and 5) In accordance with SCR 3.450, Respondent is directed to pay all costs associated with these disciplinary proceedings against him, said sum being S 1,188.06 for which execution may issue from this Court upon finality of this Opinion and Order. Minton, C.J., Abramson, Barber, Cunningham, Noble, and Venters, JJ., sitting. All concur. Keller, J., not sitting. ENTERED: April 2, 2015. 5