Opinion ID: 2623485
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sanction imposed: attorney suspended for fifteen months

Text: A trial pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.18(d) was held on November 25, 2002 before a Hearing Board consisting of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge (PDJ) Roger L. Keithley and two Hearing Board Members, Laird T. Milburn and Douglas D. Piersel, both members of the bar. Debora D. Jones, Assistant Regulation Counsel, represented the People of the State of Colorado (the People). Robert E. Woodford, the respondent, (Woodford) failed to appear in person or by counsel. In Case No. 02PDJ007, the People filed a Complaint on January 24, 2003. On February 19, 2002, Woodford filed an Answer to the Complaint. On March 22, 2002, the People filed an Amended Complaint and Woodford did not file an Answer thereto. The matter was initially set for trial on July 15 and 16, 2002 and, upon Woodford's unopposed motion, was continued to November 25 and 26, 2002. On November 15, 2002, the People moved for default on Case No. 02PDJ007, which was denied on the grounds that it was not timely filed. On March 5, 2002, the People filed a Complaint in Case No. 02PDJ015. Upon motion of the People, the PDJ consolidated the two cases on April 4, 2002. At the trial on November 25, 2002, the following witnesses testified on behalf of the People: Erwin Gemmer, D.C. via telephone; James Ingraham; John DeBruyn; Hollie Wieland; Magistrate E. David Griffith, and John Edward Smith. The People's exhibits 1 through 10 were admitted into evidence. Woodford's letter dated November 18, 2002 was marked as exhibit A and admitted into evidence. [1] The Hearing Board considered the People's argument, the testimony of the witnesses, the exhibits admitted, and made the following findings of fact which were established by clear and convincing evidence.