Opinion ID: 2423620
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether respondent knew conduct was criminal or fraudulent in purpose.

Text: Respondent argues that there was no violation of Rule 1.2(d) by focusing on whether Mr. Coppola knew that his conduct was criminal or fraudulent versus a bona fide intent to carry out the lawful wishes of his client, Ms. West. Mr. Coppola argues that a fraud under Rule 1.2(d) ordinarily implies an intention to deceive a person or entity and resulting injury, and it requires proof of a misrepresentation of material fact. E.g., Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Culver, 381 Md. 241, 275, 849 A.2d 423, 444 (2004) (violation of Rule 1.2(d) to advise client to take out loans with the intent of discharging the loans in bankruptcy, because that act would be fraudulent as to both present and future creditors). Since Mr. Coppola was not intending to deceive or harm any person or entity, but rather, was trying to accomplish his client's lawful objective, Respondent argues that the Court should find that Mr. Coppola's acts did not deceive any of Ms. West's heirs or legatees under the 1995 Will, nor were they intended to deceive or harm any other person or entity. Rule 1.2(d) prohibits assisting a client in conduct the lawyer knows to be criminal or fraudulent. Executing false estate planning documents and filing them on the public records or knowing the high probability or necessity that those false documents are going to be filed and relied on in the future as truthful and accurate violates this Rule. At a minimum, the public relies on those records. Future buyers or transferees of the real property would rely on the documents. Although the heirs appeared to be in agreement and would receive a savings and higher distribution comparable to the 1995 Will of Ms. West, there was really no evidence confirming that the August 2008 estate planning intent was, in fact, the same as her June 2008 or 1995 testamentary intent. Therefore, the court rejects this defense to a violation of Rule 1.2(d). With respect to the violation of Rule 8.4, Judge Jarashow noted that Coppola conceded that he violated of Rules 8.4(a) and (c) and concluded that Coppola also violated Rule 8.4(b) and (d):