Opinion ID: 1603916
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: attorney disciplinary

Text: WEIMER, J. This disciplinary matter arises from formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) against attorney Roy A. Raspanti (Respondent). The charges alleged, in part, that he filed a defamation suit against a former client based on a complaint she filed with the ODC. The ODC asserted Respondent's actions violated Section 12 of Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX (Rule XIX), which provides, in part, that communications to the disciplinary board, the hearing committee, and the ODC shall be absolutely privileged and that no lawsuit predicated thereon may be instituted against any complainant or witness. Both the hearing committee and the disciplinary board found Respondent's conduct violated Rules 3.1, 8.4(a), and 8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Furthermore, the hearing committee determined Respondent violated the spirit of Rule XIX, § 12(A), and the disciplinary board found his conduct was in direct violation of that provision. Because this court has never specifically addressed the effect of Section 12(A), we docketed the matter on our own motion in order to address the legal issue raised herein: whether an attorney's violation of Rule XIX, § 12(A) can be the basis for discipline and the imposition of sanctions. [1]