Opinion ID: 1779410
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: referee's recommendation as to discipline

Text: As a result of the violations discussed above, the referee recommended that Brown receive a six-month suspension plus imposition of the costs of the proceedings. The referee's recommendation in this regard was based, in large part, upon her consideration of the following aggravating factors: (1) Brown's prior disciplinary history; [3] (2) his selfish motive in placing the interests of his own law firm above the bonding company which relied upon Brown's representations regarding the certificate of deposit as full cash collateral; (3) his refusal to accept responsibility for his misconduct; (4) his substantial experience in the practice of law and specifically in construction litigation; and (5) his indifference to making restitution to Pioneer. In contrast, the referee found only one mitigating factor: Brown's reputation and character. Specifically, the referee found that Brown has a lengthy and distinguished record for charitable and other philanthropic involvement in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way, participating in the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, the Humane Society, the Boys and Girls Club, United Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, and legal pro bono work. Both parties seek review of the referee's recommended sanction. Brown contends that the recommendation of a six-month suspension is too harsh and that he should receive a public reprimand. The Bar argues that the recommendation is too lenient in light of the aggravating factors and applicable standards. The standard of review applicable to a referee's disciplinary recommendation is as follows: In reviewing a referee's recommended discipline, this Court's scope of review is broader than that afforded to the referee's findings of fact because ultimately it is the Court's responsibility to order the appropriate sanction. See Florida Bar v. Anderson, 538 So.2d 852, 854 (Fla.1989); see also art. V, § 15, Fla. Const. However, generally speaking this Court will not second-guess the referee's recommended discipline as long as it has a reasonable basis in existing case law and the Florida Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions. Fla. Bar v. McFall, 863 So.2d 303, 307 (Fla.2003). Thus, as a starting point, we look to the Florida Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions. Standard 5.1 (failure to maintain personal integrity) applies to criminal acts by lawyers and also generally to other conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. Standard 5.11 provides that absent aggravating or mitigating circumstances, disbarment is appropriate when a lawyer engages in intentional conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation that seriously adversely reflects on the lawyer's fitness to practice. Under standard 5.13, however, a public reprimand is appropriate when a lawyer knowingly engages in dishonest conduct that adversely reflects on the lawyer's fitness to practice law. Thus, under these standards, especially after giving consideration to the various aggravating and mitigating circumstances that may be present in a particular case, a wide range of discipline for dishonest conduct by a lawyer may be permissible. This Court must also review existing case law to determine whether there is a basis for the recommended discipline. Although the facts and circumstances of this case are somewhat unique, this Court has reviewed numerous cases addressing various acts of dishonesty by attorneys and has imposed suspensions similar to that recommended by the referee in this case. See, e.g., Fla. Bar v. Stillman, 606 So.2d 360 (Fla.1992) (imposing one-year suspension due to a pattern of fraudulent and dishonest conduct in relation to representation of a mortgage company); Fla. Bar v. Siegel, 511 So.2d 995 (Fla.1987) (imposing ninety-day suspension due to deliberate scheme to misrepresent facts in order to secure full financing for purchase of a law office). Here, Brown knowingly and dishonestly failed to abide by his own representations and did so for the benefit of his own law firm, causing Pioneer significant financial injury. We conclude that the referee's recommendation of a six-month suspension appropriately takes into account the specific facts and circumstances of this case, including the aggravating and mitigating circumstances found, [4] and is supported by a reasonable basis in existing case law and applicable disciplinary standards. Daryl James Brown is hereby suspended for a period of six months. The suspension will be effective thirty days from the filing of this opinion so that Brown can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If Brown notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Brown shall accept no new business from the date this opinion is filed until the suspension is completed and he is reinstated to the practice of law. Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida XXXXX-XXXX, for recovery of costs from Daryl James Brown in the amount of $23,006.05, for which sum let execution issue. It is so ordered. PARIENTE, C.J., and WELLS, ANSTEAD, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANTERO, and BELL, JJ., concur.