Opinion ID: 2637993
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sanction imposed : attorney suspended for seven (7) months

Text: A sanctions hearing pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.15 was held on August 16, 2000 before the Presiding Disciplinary Judge (PDJ) and two hearing board members Jerry D. Otero, a member of the bar, and Larry A. Daveline, a member of the public. Charles E. Mortimer, Assistant Attorney Regulation Counsel, represented the People of the State of Colorado (the People). William F. Garrow (Garrow), the respondent, did not appear in person or by counsel. The Complaint in this action was filed January 25, 2000. Garrow did not file an Answer to the Complaint. On March 13, 2000 the People moved for default, and on April 19, 2000 the PDJ issued and Order granting default. As a result of the Order granting default, all factual allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.15(b). The Order also granted default upon the alleged violations of Colo. RPC 8.1(b) and C.R.C.P. 251.5(d) and denied default as to the alleged violations of Colo. RPC 1.16(d) and Colo. RPC 4.2. The People moved to amend the Complaint to allege an additional charge of Colo. RPC 1.15(b), and thereafter withdrew the charge of Colo. RPC 4.2. On July 5, 2000, the People moved for default as to the alleged violation of Colo. RPC 1.15(b). On August 1, 2000 the PDJ denied the People's Motion for Default as to Colo. RPC 1.15(b). At the sanctions hearing, the People presented evidence from Jefferson C. Sewell and Joseph H. Thibodeau. The People's exhibits 1 through 8 were offered and admitted into evidence. The PDJ and Hearing Board considered the People's argument, the facts established by the entry of default, the exhibits admitted, assessed the testimony and credibility of the witnesses and made the following findings of fact which were established by clear and convincing evidence.